Why Bamboo for Blankets...

Many of us are concerned about what is happening to our environment with all the new technologies being introduced every day, and yet we feel helpless to do anything.  If you want to make a difference, making little changes every day is key to changing the big things in life.  So that rather than feeling overwhelmed with trying to change the world, you can feel like you’re making a difference every day.

So instead of donating hundreds of pounds to non-profit, you can do things like purchase a bamboo blanket, or bamboo sheets, and feel like every time you use them, that you’re making a difference to the environment.

Lots of people ask, “Why bamboo?  What’s so special about it?  Why is it better than cotton?”  we can answer these questions.

First off, did you know that bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world?  A quick research has shown that bamboo is the fastest growing plants on earth.

Because bamboo grows so quickly, it’s easy to replace when you harvest it.  Unlike cryptobiotic soil, which literally takes hundreds of years to grow only a single inch, bamboo will grow 39 inches in just 24 hours.  So you don’t have to worry about being greedy when you buy stuff made with bamboo fabrics.  Because by the time the bamboo product reaches your house, you can bet that the stalk from which your product was made has already regrown itself three times over.

Bamboo can also be found in multiple climates, so that you don’t have to worry that producers could wipe out an entire forest overnight in the rush to create enough for consumers.  Bamboo is most commonly found in eastern Asia down through Australia.

Now you probably feel great about bamboo as a natural resource, right?  But you’re probably still wondering, “Why on earth would I want to purchase bamboo sheets or bamboo blankets ?”  Well, you might think that bamboo seems like a hard plant when you touch it.  You can knock on it all you want and not even leave a mark.  However, think about when running your fingers gently over a bamboo stalk – does it still feel hard?  No it does not.  That is because the bamboo fibers themselves are very soft, and thus make great bamboo sheets and bamboo blankets.  And once you’ve experienced a bamboo blanketyou’ll know what all the fuss is about.

So now you just need to know where you can buy these sorts of products.  The best place to buy bamboo sheets and bamboo blankets today is on line – department stores don’t really carry them.  100bamboo.com offers bamboo bedding, bamboo blankets and bamboo towels.   We hope you enjoy your bamboo blankets this Winter.

Whats so great about Bamboo Bedding?

What’s So Great About Bamboo Bedding? There are more than 1,000 bamboo species. This diversity makes it more adaptable to different climatic zones than most other softwoods. It can grow over approximately 70 percent of the earth’s land area. And it is a one of the most renewable resources on earth. Bamboo is abundantly available in many rural areas where economic development is limited, so it can offer a social benefit as well. Through research and development of more ways to utilize bamboo, rural areas are afforded an opportunity to maintain their culture and lifestyle while improving their economic situation. Bamboo’s versatility is evidenced by its use for income, food and housing. Different species are used for different purposes, including food for Pandas, humans and livestock, woven handcraft products such as baskets and mats, textile products such as bamboo bedding, towels and blankets, ingredients for Chinese medicines and construction of flooring, fences and roofing. Bamboo Bedding? Bamboo makes a wonderful cloth. Due to its hollow fiber, it has unusual breathing capabilities. The fiber is filled with micro gaps and micro holes, which allow for better moisture absorption and ventilation than other fibers. Comfort: Bamboo bedding is comfortable, very breathable, moisture-wicking, fast drying and thermal regulating. Bamboo bedding fabric is anti-static so it doesn’t cling. It is often described as having the “ultra softness of cashmere and the sheen (luster) of silk.” Antibacterial: Bamboo bedding is naturally antibacterial due to a bio-agent that the Japanese have called “kun,” which resists the growth of bacteria on the fiber. This is normally carried through to the finished product, allowing it also to resist the growth of bacteria that causes odours even after numerous washings. This eliminates the need for anti-microbial chemical treatment, which is known to cause allergic reaction and is environmentally unfriendly. This also means that your bamboo bedding will have to be washed less often, saving energy and making items last longer. Thermal Regulating: Wouldn’t it be nice to have a fabric that makes you feel cooler in hot weather and warmer in cool weather? Sounds like a paradox, doesn’t it? Bamboo does this. Superior Wicking Capability: Bamboo bedding fiber is highly absorbent, much more so and faster drying than cotton. In warm, humid weather, bamboo bedding doesn’t stick to the skin. It keeps you drier, cooler and more comfortable. Hypoallergenic: Bamboo bedding is naturally hypoallergenic, which means it’s less likely to cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. Wrinkle Resistant: Bamboo bedding is naturally more wrinkle-resistant than cotton. While it might still require ironing after washing, bamboo bedding can be ironed at a lower temperature than cotton. Shrinkage during washing and drying should be minimal at warm temperatures. One technique to reduce or practically eliminate wrinkling, which could also apply to cotton and other fabrics, is to put clothes in the dryer for just two to five minutes to get out the wrinkles induced by the spinning of the washing machine. Then – and this is key – immediately take them out of the dryer and hang to dry. Colourfast: Fabric used for Bamboo bedding accepts organic and natural dyes more rapidly and thoroughly, with less dye use, than cotton. The colour of bamboo bedding is much more vivid. Bamboo bedding fabrics don’t need to be mercerized to improve their luster and dye-ability, as is required by cotton. Easy Care and Energy Efficient: Bamboo bedding is machine washable in cool water. Environmentally unfriendly and unhealthy fabric softeners are not needed or recommended.

Bath with Bamboo

100% Bamboo Ltd, a Surrey based eco-textile company selling bamboo bed linen & towels has increased their range to include Bamboo Towels in White and Praline. Founded in 2009, 100bamboo.com offers a range of eco-friendly bamboo bed linen, bamboo blankets and bamboo towels. The company proudly offers the environmentally aware customer a greater selection of stylish and practical home linen. Summary 100% Bamboo Ltd offers bamboo towels made from bamboo fibre- available in selected high street stores in Surrey and online at 100bamboo.com. In order to offer the most competitive pricing, linen sets and bamboo towel sets are now available. These make great gifts and work out to be more cost effective than the separate bamboo towels. Whereas the bed linen and blankets are 100% Bamboo viscose, the bamboo towels are a 50% blend with the finest cotton to give the bamboo towels the loft of cotton, and the absorbency of bamboo, which is 3 to 4 times greater than cotton, while retaining other benefits of bamboo such as quick drying, moisture wicking and durability. Bamboo Towel Basics Bamboo fibre fabric is made of 100% bamboo pulp fibre. It is characterized by its good hygroscopicity (ability to hold water), excellent permeability (breathable), soft feel, easiness to straighten and dye and splendid colour effect of pigmentation. Features • Softer than cotton, with a texture similar to a blend of cashmere and silk. • Because the cross-section of the fibre is filled with various micro-gaps and micro-holes, it has much better moisture absorption and ventilation. Moisture absorbency is twice than that of cotton with extraordinary soil release, making these bamboo towels soft yet absorbent. • Natural antibacterial elements (bio-agent “bamboo kun”) in bamboo fibre keep bacteria away from bamboo fabrics. • Bamboo fabrics need less dyestuff than cotton or modal. It seems that the absorption of dyestuffs is remarkably better. Bamboo absorbs the dyestuffs faster and shows the colours better ensuring a selection of colours for your bamboo towels. • Products of bamboo fibre is eco-friendly and bio-degradable. Bamboo Towels Retail 100% Bamboo Ltd now offers Wholesale and Retail trade across Europe. Bamboo towels are available in various sizes from Bath Sheet, Bath Towel, Hand Towel and Face Cloth with colour choices including White and Praline. Save at least 10% by purchasing sets. The Bamboo Bath Towel sets include 2 Bath Towels, 2 Hand Towels and 2 Face Cloths. The Bamboo Bath Sheet Set includes 2 Bath Sheets, 2 Hand Towels and 2 Face Cloths. For enquiries or to shop, visit http://www.100bamboo.com/c/48/bamboo-towels. These bamboo towels make excellent gifts for special occasions like moving home or weddings. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

How to pick the perfect bed sheets - From bamboo Sheets to woven Silk, what’s the difference?

Wondering how to pick the best bed sheets? Our guide to thread count, material and weaves will help you make the best choice. You spend almost one third of your life in bed – shouldn't you pay close attention to your choice of sheets? Proper bed sheets are a truly worthwhile investment. Just as the right blanket or duvet provides the perfect warmth for your cosy nest, the right sheets provide a comforting layer against your skin. Slipping into a silky set of sheets is a relatively inexpensive luxury, while cheaply made bargain bedding provides a false economy given the itchy, unpleasant sleep environment it creates. Here's what you need to know to get the sheets that suit you best. Thread count Thread count refers to the quantity of threads woven into a square inch of the sheet's fabric. Look for a minimum of 200, but no higher than 600. Less than 200 and you’re likely to get a ‘see through effect that isn’t very smooth and anything over 600 is likely to uncomfortably trap body heat. Sheets falling within the thread count sweet spot of 280 to 400 will have a smooth, soft, absorbent and breathable feel. They'll wear better and shrink less, meaning you'll replace them less often than their cheaper counterparts. Best of all, they're widely available at all price points. Material Cotton is still considered the go-to sheet-set fibre. It's comfortable year-round and easy to care for. Cotton comes in different qualities, so be prepared for some variety in pricing. Sea Island Cotton is grown only in the West Indies, parts of Georgia and the Carolinas. It's silky, white and considered by fabric aficionados to be the best Cotton in the world. Egyptian cotton is the ‘ultra’ of bed linens. It produces durable, luxuriously soft sheets. Pima or Supima cotton is American-grown and known for its high quality. 100 per cent cotton is a catchall term for non-premium cotton. Organic cotton is grown without pesticides and is a great choice for eco-friendly consumers. Sheets made of organic cotton are carried by an increasing number of shops and can be found online. Bamboo Sheets - Bamboo is a fast-growing Asian plant that can flourish without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, making it an eco-friendly fabric. The soft smooth texture is ideal for bamboo sheets. Bamboo-blend sheets (often made from 100% Bamboo, but sometimes mixed with cotton to vary the texture) are soft, breathable and easy to care for. Bamboo sheets also offer beneficial properties such as being thermal regulating, hypo allergenic and anti bacterial, making bamboo sheets the preferred choice for allergy sufferers and those with sensitive skin. Bamboo sheets tend to be quite fairly priced and range from 250 TC to 400 TC. Modal is a soft, durable fibre made from beech pulp, often blended with cotton. Try before you buy All types of cotton in varying thread counts and finished are readily available on the high street and online. If you’d like to feel bamboo fabric before purchasing a set of bamboo sheets, there are fabric swatches and Try-Before-You-Buy Bamboo packs available at 100% Bamboo Sample Request
Author: Laura Toursoulopoulos Follow us on Google+

Eco Friendly Bamboo Decor

Global warming is a universal concern. To fight this problem we should use renewable and environment friendly resources. Bamboo is a great alternative to save our forests. It doesn't have a detrimental effect on global environment. Besides many other uses, this ecologically sound alternative can be used very attractively in interior designing.

 Window Blinds

One of the most popular use of bamboo is window and door blinds. It is in use in Asian countries for a long time. It comes in a variety of colours & styles. You can roll your bamboo blinds up or down to your desired height by pulling on a string. You can also choose how much sunlight should enter your room.

 Room Dividers

If you want an extra space in your room or some privacy, room dividers are the best choice. You can get different styles of Bamboo room dividers to suit different types of home decor. You can use it in many ways. It not only decorates your room but hide the areas that are unsightly. Roll your bamboo room divider for easy storage when not in use. It can go perfectly with traditional as well as modern decor. Bamboo living room furniture is gaining momentum across the world. It is as stylish as eco friendly. Its rich exotic features made it unique compared to other wooden furniture. 

Bamboo Linens

Our range of bamboo duvet covers, sheets and blankets are antibacterial and hypoallergenic and offer the ultimate experience in luxury bedding. Great for people with night sweats, 100% Bamboo Ltd bamboo sheets provide breathable comfort and regulate your body temperature to keep you a couple degrees cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter!  Fitted sheets have elastic all around to ensure a secure fit.

If you are unsure about ordering your new Bamboo Linens without feeling a bamboo sample, order a fabric swatch before you buy.

These luxury bamboo bed linens at very reasonable prices, make the perfect partner to your eco friendly bamboo decor project.

Author: Laura Toursoulopoulos Follow us on Google+

What makes Bamboo Sustainable

What makes Bamboo Sustainable

By using bamboo fabric for our bed linens, towels & blankets, we are utilising one of natures most sustainable resources. In additional to being environmentally sensible it also offers bed linens that are soft, thermal regulating, anti-microbial and very easy to care for. Our range consists of duvet covers, fitted sheets, flat sheets, pillow cases, blankets, family towels and baby towels, with new products due next year.It grows fast.
Bamboo is not a tree—it’s a grass, and it grows like one. Many species of bamboo can grow two feet or more a day. When it’s harvested, it need not be replanted, because it will grow a new shoot from its extensive root system. So bamboo renews itself readily, unlike hardwood trees, which, once cut, are gone forever. Bamboo is an endlessly renewable resource.
It enhances the environment.
Farmed bamboo stabilizes the earth with its roots, preventing erosion. It takes in greenhouse gasses and produces oxygen. In fact 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees. It can also provide habitat for birds and animals (though our bamboo is not preferred by pandas, and is therefore panda-safe).
It’s world-wide and historic.
Our bamboo comes from China, but the adaptable bamboo will grow most places on earth. Wherever it is native, bamboo has been integral to the economy and culture, used for cooking, beverages, paper, houses, and bridges. In China, it’s known as the “friend of the people”.

In short:
Bamboo yields per hectare are 10 times greater than cotton.
Bamboo thrives without needing pesticides or fertilisers.
Bamboo grows well with just rainwater and no additional irrigation is required, unlike cotton which requires 20,000 litres of water per kilogram.
As a grass Bamboo is self-propogating, so does not need replanting which helps save topsoil and energy.
Bamboo fabric requires less dye than conventional cotton.
Bamboo and fabrics derived from bamboo are biodegradable.
Bamboo is anti-microbial thanks to its magically named ‘bamboo kun’ (a naturally occurring bio-agent), although there are conflicting stances as to whether ‘bamboo kun’ is still present after chemical processing. It has also been said that the anti-bacterial property of chemically processed bamboo yarn is not unique but common to all viscose/cellulose based yarns. That said, Bamboo bed linens have better anti-bacterial performance than cotton linens.
 So when you are shopping for your next duvet cover or linen set, why not give this wonder fabric a try. And if you are worried that it might feel like a tough, strong, durable grass (which it is….) why not order a fabric sample and you’ll see that it is anything but. The range includes Stripe or Floral duvet covers and pillow cases, plain sheets, blankets and towels.

Author: Laura Toursoulopoulos Follow us on Google+

Bamboo Basics: why this is the Wonder product of the future

Bamboo is being hailed as a new super material, with uses ranging from textiles to construction. It also has the potential to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide, the biggest greenhouse gas, and provide some of the world's poorest people with cash.
Bamboo fibre fabric is made of 100% bamboo pulp fibre. It is characterized by its good hygroscopicity (ability to hold water), excellent permeability (breathable), soft feel, easiness to straighten and dye and splendid colour effect of pigmentation.

Features
• Softer than cotton, with a texture similar to a blend of cashmere and silk, making it the perfect choice for duvet covers and other bed linen.
• Because the cross-section of the fibre is filled with various micro-gaps and micro-holes, it has much better moisture absorption and ventilation. Moisture absorbency is twice than that of cotton with extraordinary soil release.
• Natural antibacterial elements (bio-agent “bamboo kun”) in bamboo fibre keep bacteria away from bamboo fabrics, making duvet covers, sheets and pillow cases less likely to harbour dust mite and other bacteria found in our homes.
• 100% bamboo yarns show a great elasticity i.e. nearly 20%. Even in 100% bamboo woven fabrics a remarkable elasticity can be obtained wherein the use of elastomeric fibres like elastanes may be eliminated.
• Bamboo fabrics need less dyestuff than cotton, modal or viscose. It seems that the absorption of dyestuffs is remarkably better. Bamboo absorbs the dyestuffs faster and shows the colours better.
• Products of bamboo fibre is eco-friendly and bio-degradable.

With such wonderful natural properties, this fabric is a natural choice for our bed linens. 100% Bamboo Ltd offers duvet covers, sheets, pillow cases, blankets and towels made from viscose from bamboo fibre and carries a 400 Thread Count, making it soft and silky to the touch, while retaining  the naturally occurring benefits of bamboo such as thermal regulating, anti-fungal,  quick drying, moisture wicking and durability
Duvet covers come in two different designs, Stripe or Floral and an option of Single, Double, King and Super King.
If you are sceptical of bamboo and would like to feel the fabric before purchasing, request a sample at http://www.100bamboo.com/samplerequest

Author: Laura Toursoulopoulos Follow us on Google+