Deforestation is a serious environmental issue.  It results in habitat loss for species.  Moist forest soils lose their shade when trees are cut down, causing the soil to become nutrient-poor and useless.  In addition, because trees help perpetuate the water cycle by returning water vapor back into the atmosphere, deforestation causes  once-forested lands to become deserts.  Sadly, a quarter of the forest lost in the last 10,000 years  has been cut down in the last 30 years.   Forests are cut down for many reasons; a significant cause of deforestation is logging operations which provide the world with paper and wood products, including the wood that is used throughout our homes.   To help stop deforestation, consumers must stop furnishing their homes with wood.  Using bamboo in our homes is a great way to make our homes look great without contributing to deforestation.  If enough of us demand this product, deforestation rates could be drastically reduced.

Here are some facts about bamboo:

1. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on this planet. It grows one third faster than the fastest growing tree. Some species grow as much as four feet a day.
2. Bamboo is harvested and replenished with no impact to the environment. It can be selectively harvested annually and is capable of complete regeneration without need to replant. 
3. Bamboo is versatile with a short growth cycle. It can be harvested in 3-5 years versus 10-100 years for most softwoods and hardwoods.
4. Bamboo is a viable replacement for wood. It is one of the strongest building materials, with a tensile strength that rivals steel. Withstands up to 52,000 pounds of pressure {psi}.
5. Bamboo is an enduring natural resource.  It provides income, food, and housing to over 2.2 billion people worldwide. Uses include everything from skyscraper scaffolding to medicine.
6. Bamboo is a critical element in the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Bamboo helps reduce the carbon dioxide gases blamed for global warming.
7. Bamboo is a renewable resource for agroforestry production. It is used to produce flooring, wall paneling, pulp for paper, fencing, briquettes for fuel, raw material for housing, and more.
8.   Bamboo helps mitigate water pollution due to its high nitrogen consumption.
9. Bamboo instantly imparts a natural & tropical look of beauty.

Check out this website:
http://www.bambooliving.co.za/index-2.html

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