A new business, Bamboo U, is making eco-friendly bamboo shirts for college-age women. College students are often more aware and concerned with our environmental challenges and many are leading the way as early adapters in the eco-clothing movement. Bamboo U wants to provide this younger set with affordable eco-chic clothing.

“Younger people are becoming more conscious about what they consume, which includes what they put on their bodies every day,” said Jeff Fulmer of Bamboo U. “Our shirts have gotten a great reception from the college audience. We just want to give them an alternative that allows them to express their own values.”

The ecological reasons for going with bamboo are numerous. Unlike conventional cotton which uses huge amounts of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, the hardy bamboo needs no help to grow except natural rainwater. One of the fastest growing plants on the planet, bamboo is also an incredibly sustainable, self-regenerating crop. Unlike synthetic fibers which use petroleum based additives, bamboo is 100% biodegradable.

A bonus is bamboo fiber makes for an incredibly soft, slightly silky texture. Its unique breathability enables the wearer to stay cooler than if she was wearing cotton. Bamboo’s anti-microbial agent (kun) prevents bacteria from cultivating on it, which helps keeps the wearer odor free.  If that weren’t enough, bamboo naturally provides protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays, making it well-suited for exercise wear.

Shirts at Bamboo U are a blend of 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton.  They also use only environmentally friendly water based inks for their designs, as opposed to the chemical plastisols found on most t-shirts. Not only is this more environmentally friendly, but it gives the printed designs a more natural look and feel as the shirt is worn and washed.

“Bamboo U logos let others know you care about what you wear,” Fulmer said. “Besides, the shirts are so cool and comfortable; once you wear bamboo, you’ll never want to go back to cotton.”

College student, Aimee Masone, agrees, “The shirt is amazing.  It’s super comfy and every time I put it on I don’t want to take it off….It definitely is way better than any shirt I own.”

Bamboo U makes shirts with a couple of different designs in a variety of colors and are looking to branch into other apparel made from bamboo.

Contact:
Jeff Fulmer
Bamboo U
615-545-8611
Jefffulmer@comcast.net
www.myspace.com/bamboou