Why Bamboo?!
When I was designing Dri umbrellas, I knew the canopies would be made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. I quickly decided on shafts of stainless steel to ensure durability (I’ve said it once, I’ll say it until I’m hoarse - no product is environmentally sustainable if it breaks after a few uses!) but what I wasn’t sure of was the handle. I couldn’t make them out of virgin plastic (a little contradictory, no?) and I refused to use wood. Cutting down the Amazon to save the oceans felt, well, dumb. So, for what felt like the millionth time in my journey into entrepreneurship, I was stuck.
Mulling this predicament over with a friend who studied environmental science in undergrad (and actually did something within that field - imagine?!) she suggested bamboo. Naively I asked, “Why bamboo? Isn’t that panda food?”
Contrary to my belief, bamboo is much more than a snack for cute panda bears. It is actually crafted into a seemingly endless number of products including - but not limited to - bedding, utensils, paper, walls/floors/roofs/entire houses, clothing, consumer product packaging, furniture, and of course, bridges. Yes, as in, bridges you can ride cars over. 🤯
Growing bamboo takes patience. After it is initially planted, bamboo can spend over five years establishing it’s complex root system. But once that bamboo plant emerges above the soil watch. out. You cut it down, it pops right back up, just like Sean Astin in Rudy. In fact, the cutting down of the bamboo plant actually makes the plant grow faster. As in, THREE FEET in ONE DAY, fast. It is the quickest growing, most regenerative land plant on Mama Earth. 🌍 Upon learning this, I hugged my friend tightly, sent a silent thank you to the University of New Hampshire, and called my manufacturer.
During that conversation, they explained bamboo handles are also lightweight and smooth to the touch. Because it was critical to me that Dri umbrellas are every bit as stylish as they are sustainable, I practically danced with excitement. Fine, I did actually dance with excitement. Bamboo clearly added another layer of sustainability to our product, and it made Dri umbrellas even more unique than any other on the market. Plus, you have to admit, it’s chic AF.
Most importantly, implementing bamboo ensures Dri umbrellas are strong and durable. After all, if you can drive cars over it, it can withstand some rain, right?
Lastly, here is a cute panda eating bamboo.
You’re welcome.
