Baja Llama Partners with Guadua Bamboo
Bamboo is making a name for itself as a viable solution for a big job on our planet.
We first became interested in Guadua Bamboo, located in Zabaletas, Colombia, for their steps towards helping the planet with reforestation, carbon sequestration and using bamboo as an alternative source of wood and fabric.
Through our research, we've learned bamboo is a pretty powerful plant that grows faster than any other on earth, with some species growing more than 1 meter per day, which is about 4cm per hour! It is also the only grass that can develop itself into a forest while constantly reproducing itself without having to be replanted. Its cultivation even improves the quality of the soil. All these facts help rightfully label bamboo as a highly renewable and sustainable resource, which is why we wanted to support the growth of such an incredible species.
We became especially interested in the Chinese Moso bamboo (also known as phyllostachys edulis) because of its ability to be turned into fabric which not only has a far less impact on the planet but also valued for its breathability, UV resistance and antimicrobial properties. Sounds like a win-win to us! Moso is nothing new but in recent years it has made a name for itself in agriculture, textiles and construction. When you hear about bamboo clothing, this is Moso. When you hear about bamboo growing up to 3ft per day, Moso is one of the varieties that can do that!
Moso bamboos take in 5 times more carbon dioxide and releases approximately 35% of oxygen into our atmosphere. This makes bamboo an essential to cleaning the air that we breathe. Unlike other plants, bamboo is naturally antimicrobial which leaves no need for fertilizers and pesticides. Therefore, lessening the greenhouse effect. In a time where global warming has led to depletion of natural resources and deforestation threatens our ecosystems, it is important to us to look for alternative ways to not only avoid further damage but also to rebuild what we have lost.
Bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly fibers found on earth and is even biodegradable. With it being said that it is softer than the softest cotton, there's no doubt we wanted to share this little magic plant with you too.
We have a great love for Colombia and it's why we chose it to be one of the countries we manufacturer our products. We couldn't be more proud to partner with Guadua Bamboo and support their efforts.
Fun Fact: the only place in Colombia where Moso is planted is at this particular farm. Apart from Guadua there is no bamboo culture in the country, so we definitely want to contribute and be apart of their true pioneering work.
Baja Llama currently has 2 button ups (3 Amigos & Split Personalities) that are made from a bamboo blend. We've been working behind the scenes to introduce more products using bamboo fabrics and we're excited to launch our Bamboozled Collection later this year.
Our sustainable efforts will continue to push forward and will be offering ways that you can get involved in the near future as well!
P.S. What do you get when you cross Shaggy and a stick of bamboo?
Mr. Bamboostick
