Bamboo: Green Source for Future Applications in different Fields

Abstract

Bamboo the fastest growing plant that belonging to the true grass family “Poaceae” in the planet. All over the world there are about 1250 species and 90 genera of bamboo plants. Bamboo is sustainable and eco-friendly material as: (a) It grow much faster than conventional trees (3–6 yrs versus 30–50 yrs), so it recover deforestation and soil erosion quickly; (b) It releases about 35% more oxygen than the hard-wood trees thus reducing global warming effect; (c) In future, it will remove the problem of E-waste due to its biodegradable nature; (d) It has strong, flexible and light weight woody stem. Because of its highly multipurpose properties bamboo is suitable for numerous end products/purposes worldwide such as: construction, handicraft industry, city furniture, textile and paper industry, house-hold products, bicycles, laptop, electric fan, wind mill blades, photo voltaic panels or monopiles etc. In addition, the shoots of Young bamboo are considered as one of the delicious healthy food; due to the presence of high amount of proteins, minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates etc. According to survey done by researchers, many bamboo shoots have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore it is also used for traditional or herbal treatments. The main objective of this paper is to give an overview regarding the past and present use of bamboo. Its future perspective for the use of society and growth of the world is also briefed.