It’s no secret that at Miik we’re committed to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, but we’re also committed to creating stylish and comfortable clothing. The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other, which is why bamboo is one of our core fabrics each season. Anyone who has tried it knows how luxuriously soft it is and how long it lasts.

Here are 15 fun facts about bamboo

1. Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world

It can grow as much as one meter in 24 hours. It does not require chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers or watering to grow. When bamboo is harvested it will continue to grow with no additional planting or cultivation.

2. Bamboo clothing keeps you feeling cool and comfy, with breathable and moisture wicking abilities

Bamboo fibres are used in soft and sustainable textiles like rayon, linen, and silk, offering comfy and eco-friendly clothing options. Fabrics made from bamboo are naturally moisture wicking because the bamboo fibres are hollow – allowing it to be very absorbent, pulling moisture away from your skin while still keeping you feeling dry. Bamboo fibres can hold up to three times their weight in water before even feeling wet!

3. Bamboo improves soil health, making it great for eco-friendly farming

Bamboo helps prevent soil erosion! Its grass-like roots act like a natural net, stopping soil erosion and keeping the ground steady and healthy.

4. Bamboo plants soak up carbon dioxide, helping to fight climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Did you know one newly planted bamboo plant can sequester 2 tons of carbon dioxide in just 7 years? For comparison, hardwood trees sequester 1 ton of CO2 in 40 years! They can also generate up to 35% more oxygen than the same amount of trees.

5. Bamboo plants clean the air, making indoor spaces fresher and healthier

According to the NASA clean air study, bamboo can naturally filter organic air pollutants such as benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde. This study spanned over two years with a collection of plants placed in air-sealed chambers. They were exposed to high concentrations of chemicals and researchers documented the percentage of chemicals that had been removed after 24 hours.

6. Bamboo plants naturally cool down the air

During the summer, bamboo plants can reduce surrounding air temperatures by up to 2.6 °C in bamboo communities, and between 2.14 °C to 5.15 °C in small-scale plant communities such as bamboo groves. But did you know bamboo can be processed into pellets and fuel logs for eco-friendly heating solutions?

7. Bamboo has been used in traditional remedies to heal wounds and fight infections for ages

It’s safe and gentle, making it a great choice for natural health remedies. Certain types of bamboo are prized in traditional Chinese medicine for their healing properties. It's been used for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

8. Bamboo is surprisingly strong, making it perfect for building sturdy structures that last

Did you know bamboo is even stronger than steel when treated correctly? It's been used as an alternative building material for centuries.

9. Bamboo is tough and adaptable, even surviving the atomic bombing of Hiroshima

After the blast in 1945, bamboo was the first plant to re-sprout. It has even survived hurricanes Ivan and Katrina. Its resilience has made it a symbol of hope and survival.

10. More than 1 billion people around the world live in bamboo houses

They are affordable and eco-friendly, providing sustainable shelter. Bamboo is naturally fire-resistant, adding an extra layer of safety to your surroundings. Its unique structure makes it resistant to fire, making it a preferred choice in fire-prone areas. However, it is important to note that bamboo is not fireproof!

11. Bamboo is edible when prepared appropriately

Bamboo shoots are tasty and nutritious, adding flavour and crunch to dishes in many cuisines. They're rich in fibre and potassium and are a staple in Asian diets. The leaves make a delicious tea, packed with antioxidants and flavour. It's similar to green tea and offers many health benefits.

12. Bamboo symbolizes strength and resilience

Bamboo survives in even the most unforgiving environments, staying green year-round. But did you know bamboo bends with the wind and once the storm passes it resumes its upright position? In Chinese culture, it's a symbol of durability and flexibility.

13. Thomas Edison used bamboo filaments in his early light bulbs

Even today, bamboo continues to inspire innovation and creativity. One of those bulbs is still burning today at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC.

14. Bamboo plants support diverse ecosystems

They provide habitats for many species and help to protect the environment. They're essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.

15. Bamboo is native to 5 continents

Bamboo grows natively in Africa, Asia, South America, North America, and Australia. In other words, all continents except for Antarctica and Europe have native bamboos.