WORLD BAMBOO DAY
Every year on September 18th, World Bamboo Day raises awareness about this fast-growing plant. The day also recognizes the importance of bamboo on a global scale.
Bamboo is a type of giant grass that is hard and hollow. It is also the fastest growing land plant in the world. Certain species of bamboo grow 36 inches within 24 hours. This means that it grows about one inch every 40 minutes. The only thing that grows faster is giant sea kelp.
Most people are aware that bamboo is the panda bear’s favorite food. In fact, 99 percent of the panda’s diet is bamboo. But there are some things about bamboo you might not know. Here are some fun facts about this amazing plant:
- It acts as a natural air conditioner as it cools the surrounding temperature by up to 8 degrees.
- Some kinds of bamboo are edible and are used in Asian cuisine and tea.
- Clumping bamboo provides oxygen to the brain and can help relieve tension headaches.
- There are over 1,500 species of bamboo throughout the world.
- The very first successful lightbulb contained carbonized bamboo filament.
- Bamboo comes in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes.
- The very first firecrackers in China were made from bamboo.
- Bamboo groves are safe places to go in the midst of an earthquake.
Bamboo poles are very strong and sturdy. For this reason, many people use bamboo in construction. Bamboo also contains an anti-fungal and antibacterial quality. Because of this, bamboo is used to make charcoal. Other products made from bamboo include furniture, musical instruments, toilet paper, disposable cutlery, solar-powered batteries, flooring, drinking straws, and skateboards.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldBambooDay
On this day people from around the world gather together to share their passion for bamboo. Events include festivals, workshops, and webinars. Some communities also hold concerts with instruments made from bamboo. To participate:
- Learn more about bamboo.
- Make a list of products made from bamboo.
- Look up relaxing bamboo music online.
- Find a DIY bamboo project and give it a try.
Finally, share this day on social media with #WorldBambooDay.
WORLD BAMBOO DAY HISTORY
Kamesh Salam founded World Bamboo Day. Salam served as president of the World Bamboo Organization from 2007 to 2010. In 2009, he organized the 8th World Bamboo Congress in Bangkok. During this meeting, he and delegates from over 100 countries declared September 18th as World Bamboo Day. They chose this date as it coincides with Royal Thai Forestry Day.