Bamboo Flooring: Eco- Hot or Eco- Not?

Everywhere you turn, it seems to be all about Bamboo when it comes to environmentaly friendly products.

Bamboo clothes, bamboo bags, bamboo floors... what's the deal? Is Bamboo the best alternative for flooring or is it just a lot of hype? Bamboo has peaked my curioustiy because I want to make sure I am giving my clients the best solution when it comes to green alternatives.

So, what are the pros and cons of bammboo flooring?

Pros

•  It's understood that bamboo grows plentiful. It is a fast growing plant that is ready to harvest in as little as 3 - 7 years.
• There are no use of pesticides or harmful chemicals.
• Bamboo is more durable than hardwood.
• Bamboo is very easy to care for.
• There are many attractive options available.

Cons

• Bamboo grows in Asia, so it is shipped from far distances.
• Be aware that some manufacturers' products may have high VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) in their adhesive and finishes. Check the manufacturers MSDS (Material Safety and Data Sheets). All of the information regarding the VOCs will be listed there.
• Most of Bamboo flooring is produced in China. Their labor practices are questionable and undocumented.
• Be cautious of inferior products. There are bamboo flooring products that are poorly made and priced accordingly. So if the price looks good, I would take a second look at the manufacturer and the product they are selling.
• Also, as with many other floors, you must watch out for keeping it in an area where there is direct sunlight. Over time this can cause some fading.

The bottom line is if you are looking for green alternatives to flooring, the first step is to take responsibility for the products you bring into your home. There has been a lot of hype on bamboo flooring and there will continue to be more. There's no easy answer so do the research. Know your retailer and ask them to help you understand how the product was manufactured. There are many positive qualities to placing bamboo in your space. However, there are other factors that play into it being a truly eco-friendly product. Remember, sustainability starts with knowledge.