Bamboo Bandwagon
A question I get nearly every week: ‘Any thoughts of a bamboo Little Beetle?’
We have contemplated a bamboo Little Beetle and consulted three sources we place a lot of trust in. After speaking with them and thinking through things myself, I have the following position.
Often you do not see it advertised that the bamboo has polyester. But if you dig deep enough you find 100% bamboo loops (with the kicker) embedded in a polyester base (90% Bamboo 10% Polyester). That poly content could even be 20%. Polyester is of course a synthetic, petroleum derived product. Petroleum and polyester are not better for babies.
Another question worth exploring is how the bamboo is processed. I have heard that many bamboo fabrics are processed like Rayon, i.e. using harsh chemicals. I have been trying to learn more about this topic and have been seeking information from environmental experts.
Bamboo is easily grown and regenerates itself with out much effort. But, another environmental concern that has arisen is whether the flurry of bamboo shoppers on the market is causing some countries to clear cut their own diverse forests and replace them with quick growing, highly demanded, bamboo. That would have obvious and drastic effects on bio-diversity.
Some fabric companies are blending bamboo with organic cotton. That is an improvement, and the avenue we would use. But through the fabric grapevine (and from a close organic fabric expert) there are reports that the fabrics tend be unstable and unpredictable. This also means they may not wear well with many washes. (You can then see why so many manufacturers still turn to polyester.)
So when I see a bamboo diaper, I wonder: Is this a genuine environmentally friendly bamboo diaper?
I would love to hop on the bamboo bandwagon. It sounds wonderful. But I am not so sure the word ‘bamboo’ should get a free ride.
When someone says ‘organic cotton’, we demand certifications, proof, and lots of background research. Consumers have worked hard to understand the term ‘organic’ when it comes to the plant and fibers. They are learning what it means, how the fibers are grown, processed and handled. They ask about polyester content. I would like to see the same for bamboo - ideally seeing cotton’s standards and consumer activism applied to bamboo.
I am open for people to tell me I am wrong and that there is genuinely environmentally friendly bamboo diaper (that avoids the pitfalls as suggested above).
But for now, I remain focused on fair trade organic cotton velour. Its my new obsession and we are so very excited about bringing it to our customers.