Did you know that the US is the biggest consumer of bamboo but none of it is produced here? According to Sebastian Kitchen's article of June 17, 2010 posted on montgomeryadvertiser.com, Jackie Heinricher founder of Booshoot Gardens LLC of Mount Vernon, Washington wants to change all that. She reckons the Black Belt of Alabama and Mississippi Delta region contain some of the richest soil that could foster bamboo produciton in an area that is struggling economically. This crop could bring some economic releif to some of the poorest counties in the state and it is one of the poorest regions in the nation. Heinricher has penned an agreement with local Universities to test the growth and if they are successful, she will bring together the supply chain from the farmers through the end user.
Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant in the world and more environmentally friendly than trees, pulling in more carbon dioxide and releasing more oxygen, according to Heinricher. The plants also do not require pesticides and do not require irrigation. The product can be used for everything from shirts to railroad ties. Even Starbucks is looking to use bamboo for its cups.
Heinricher worked with scientists at her company to develop the science to grow the bamboo by tissue cultures in test tubes, which allows the plant to be mass produced domestically and compete internationally in the production of pulp, paper, textile, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and hardwoods.
Now maybe she can work with them on cleaning the process;) All in all a plus for the economy and the environment.
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