Green Eco Statement

Going Bamboo! has far exceeded the demands of environmentally conscious consumers around the world.  The idea to manufacture high quality, sustainable bamboo products was developed 10 years ago by Tom and Joanne Sullivan. Going Bamboo! is committed to helping reduce the world’s dependence on non-renewable resources. We only use naturally grown bamboo, food safe non-formaldehyde adhesives, no dyes or stains, low impact biodegradable packaging and we process the bamboo near the source so as to reduce transportation as much as possible.  

Going Bamboo! is committed to following fair trade practices at our manufacturing facility in China. We communicate our social responsibility and commitment to quality and are thoroughly involved in our production process from harvest to completion. Our factory is certified; ensuring a socially responsible and safe work environment that gives back to the local community and follows strict guidelines. The factory is ISO 14001 and ISO 9000 compliant. Going Bamboo! does not buy from unknown sources or the common market, which guarantees quality, age of bamboo and an environmentally safe and responsible work ethic from start to finish.

When purchasing products from Going Bamboo!, you will have the confidence of knowing that you are making a valuable contribution to the conservation effort. By choosing bamboo as a medium, you are helping the world to be a little “greener”.  Bamboo holds the promise of a sustainable, cost effective and ecologically responsible alternative to our vanishing hardwood resources.   All our bamboo is from a naturally accruing forest. Managed, so as not to be over used, this area is located in the mountainous regions west of Shanghai.  Bamboo grows abundantly here and has been harvested continually for over 5000 years. It naturally replenishes itself with no artificial water supply or nutrients added that may harm the watershed, unlike some bamboo which is plantation grown using irrigation and fertilizers on cleared land.  Although bamboo can be harvested in as little as 2 years, Going Bamboo! exclusively uses only 5 to 5-1/2 year old growth. We have found this aged bamboo is much denser and extremely stable, making it less prone to splitting or warping.  We use low impact harvesting practices and only cut what is needed without any damage to the surrounding bamboo forest.

Studies have found that Bamboo groves produce more oxygen per square mile than trees. There are over 1200 species of bamboo; however, we choose to use the species “phyllostachys edulis” commonly referred to as “Moso”. This giant timber bamboo grows to a height of 75 feet with a diameter of about 7 inches and is chosen for its strength, density and versatility.  As an added bonus, it is neither a food source, nor a habitat for the Giant Panda.  Bamboo is also naturally anti-microbial inhibiting bacterial growth. Wood also has these same properties but studies have shown that bamboo actually kills bacteria growth more rapidly.

Almost ten years ago when Going Bamboo! developed the world’s first formaldehyde free bamboo cutting board, bamboo was still just being used primarily for chopsticks and vegetable steamers.  In 1999, the company introduced its first seven products, today we offer over 235 different items ranging from briefcases to director chairs.  Going Bamboo! is credited with developing numerous innovations other than the world’s first bamboo cutting board,  they include salad bowls turned on a lathe, folding directors chairs and most recently - hand turned bathroom vessel sinks and 1-1/2 thick bamboo planks for multi-purpose use.  Our mission is to continually strive to find new and innovative uses for this ecologically renewable alternative to hardwoods.

 In old China, bamboo symbolized “a friend to the people”.   Today we see bamboo as “a friend to the earth”.  So… do the earth a favor – do bamboo.