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

As an editor for the crafting and DIY website www.FaveCrafts.com, we have been pleased to observe and participate in a resurgence of interest in knitting and crochet. The materials for knitting and crochet are generally inexpensive, and people can create items for personal use or as thrifty gifts. Knitting and crochet can also be therapeutic in these uncertain economic times. Studies have shown that the repetitive motions of knitting and crochet activate the same areas of the brain as meditation or yoga, which can help treat pain and depression and strengthen the immune system.

Alongside this renewal of interest in knitting and crochet, people are more environmentally aware and want to make sure that they are making eco-friendly choices when purchasing yarn. People are more aware of the problems of traditionally grown cotton, which relies on more insecticides and pesticides than any other single crop. These hazardous chemicals harm workers in developing countries, contaminate ground and surface water, and kill beneficial insects, micro-organisms and wildlife.

Here is our guide to help those find the right materials for eco-friendly crochet or knitting:

Organic Cotton

Using no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, the production of organic cotton relies on natural processes such as enhancing soil quality to increase yield and disease resistance. Organic cotton yarn is quite readily available. Large yarn manufacturers such as Lion Brand even have an organic line.

Organic Wool

Many people who think they are allergic to wool are actually allergic to the chemicals used in traditional wool production. Try organic wool, which is not washed in chemicals and comes from sheep which are fed organic food and not injected with growth hormones. Support independent spinners in your area or check out Vermont Organic Fiber Co.

Hemp

My personal favorite, hemp yarn is produced in Canada where it is legal to produce hemp. Hemp is a sustainable crop which naturally needs no herbicides or pesticides and actually controls the erosion of topsoil. In addition to yarn, hemp can be used for insulation and biodegradable plastic. Hemp yarn is very strong and softens with every wash. Check out Lanaknits for great hemp yarn and hemp blends and PickNatural for a variety of great yarns using hemp.

Bamboo

Bamboo is growing in popularity for its silk-like feel. Luckily, bamboo is a sustainable plant and the yarn, if not chemically treated, is completely biodegradable. Check out Rowan Bamboo Soft Yarn or Classic Elite Bam Boo.

Linen

The flax plant used to make linen is very resilient and requires little fertilizer.  Check out Louet’s Euroflax yarn for the best example. Linen is also blended with other organic materials with more bounce.

Soy Silk

Soy silk yarn is a completely recycled material as a byproduct of the production of tofu. Since luxurious soy silk is rather expensive, it is normally blended with other materials to create more affordable yarn. Oasis yarn available at South West Trading Company is 100% Soy Silk.

Recycled Sari

Recycled sari yarn is produced from the remnants of the sari-manufacturing process in India and hand-spun by Nepalese women. These are colorful, unique skeins of yarn, and help to support independent fair trade. Check out Darn Good Yarn and non-silk Near Sea Naturals.

Due to our partnerships with yarn manufacturers and independent designers, you can find hundreds of free knitting and crochet patterns at FaveCrafts. We add new patterns each and every day.