About Us

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

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Bambootility Media introduces its Bamboo Trade Blog

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Today bamboo is used in multiple applications across multiple continents.

Bamboo as a Biomass Feedstock

The US Department of Energy claimed that bamboo is an overlooked biomass resource that we should consider using in the United States. The study claims that bamboo has a higher dry ton per acre yield of any other feedstock on the planet and is a renewable resource that cleans the air while growing. One acre of bamboo sequesters as much carbon as 12 acres of trees.

Bamboo also does not require pesticides nor fertilizers to grow. Thereby reducing chemicals in the soil and reducing chemical costs to its growth process.

Bamboo has powerful soil remediation properties and soil erosion prevention properties.

Bamboo has been successfully gasified by researchers in Japan, Canada, India, South Africa, Europe, and at Universities in the U.S.

Bamboo fuel pellets demand a $200 per ton price on the European market and bamboo oil is another value added product from a planting of bamboo.

Since we are looking at everything from algae to switchgrass maybe it’s time to listen to the experts from the Department of Energy and consider bamboo as a viable biomass feedstock

Research

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

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A little about Bambootility Media...

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Bambootility Media is a global media organization forming a community around sustainable bamboo. The first comprehensive reource of its kind to bring together the entire lifecycle of the bamboo industry. We hope you find it as inspiring as we do.

Together we are a community of engaged people, businesses, organizations, and institutions committed to the versatility that bamboo brings to the world. From its completely "green" characteristics, to the thousands of species and products, bamboo's positive environmental impact is global in scope.

Together we will make a difference.

One choice at at time.

An Evening with Lara Miller - Bamboo Sustainable Fashion

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Some events have all of the right elements and this was one of them. As is rarely the case, the weather was perfect in Chicago on Monday, June 29. Dodging the exiting Cubs fans, Ed and I took to the charming streets of Wrigleyville headed to an underground dinner party showcasing the Lara Miller Collection. Lara, an acclaimed sustainable women’s wear designer who is passionate about improving the environmental impact of fashion, opened her studio for us. The evening was hosted by John Coyle Steinbruner, JC as he is known. An artist by day, JC founded The Salon Series. He was inspired by the fashionable gatherings of the 17th century, as well as post-war Paris, where intellectuals, artists and social luminaries would gather to discuss topics of culture, politics and art. As our names were checked off of the guest list, we were escorted through Lara’s fabric strewn studio to an exposed brick cellar of sorts. Lined with mason jars and candles, the brick rooms formed a perfect contrast to the softness of the eco-friendly fibers, such as organic cotton, hand-loomed bamboo, hemp and vegan silk pieces, that lined the walls.

I was thrilled to see so many of her collections represented under one roof. Nothing can describe the softness of the bamboo knits that slipped through my fingers. When you think about it, not many things in life are as intimately close to you for the majority of your day as your attire. Your home may be carefully adorned to provide you with comfort and to fit your lifestyle, but it does not go with you. Your clothing does, and it can make all of the difference in the world as to how you feel and how well your day plays out.

Lara soon made her way to greet us, and her warm personality was evident upon the introduction. She immediately engaged us in conversation around the topic of bamboo and its sustainability. I could have talked to her for hours, and now that I think about it, I did. She knows the story behind her garments, and this is extremely important to her. As it is so well stated on her website: Acknowledging the effect that we all have on our environment, Lara aspires to preserve and respect our earth in every way possible. “I see my company as a way to support my community - not only by using organic materials while adhering to a “green” lifestyle and workspace - but also by manufacturing locally and working to sustain the sewn products industry in Chicago.”

Her artistry is woven into each stitch. Carefully sewn, Lara desires these pieces to remain in your wardrobe for years to come. As a matter of fact, she pointed out that the sweater she was wearing was one of her favorite pieces from two years ago. It was as if the sweater was only weeks old. Every consideration is given to crafting a garment that will complement a women’s body. The model walking around in one of Lara’s dresses was stunningly beautiful as this dress captured her femininity. Lara’s designs are contemporary, and she is known for her playfully versatile pieces. Many of these in her collection can be easily worn several different ways eliminating the need for more garments. It is inspiring to watch her handle each piece as she brings it to life by flipping and turning it, thereby, creating a new look instantly. Unique indeed, these designs are a challenge to market in today’s crowded retail boutiques. Identifying the need to better share the unique versatility of her garments, Lara has filmed short videos to bring them to life for the women who wear them. You must watch one when you get the chance.

While still enjoying our tour of stitches, Lara becomes a magnet as other guests graciously join in the conversation. Braylen Barr, an aspiring designer, was one of them. She was just popping in for a brief goodbye to Lara before leaving for a design stint in Italy the following morning. Mentoring developing designers in sustainable fashion is a priority to Lara who holds the Executive Director role at the Chicago Fashion Incubator sponsored by Macy’s on State Street. The city gave birth to this concept back in 2005 when former Mayor Richard M. Daley identified the need to form a community incubator for fashion. Currently the program hosts six designers in a year-long program with 2,375 square feet of dedicated space on the 11th floor of the historic 1914 Marshall Fields & Company flagship State Street store. It is a fitting location, since its retail roots date back to 1868 before even the great Chicago fire. In addition to these resources, the designer’s also have the opportunity to showcase their lines at local events and fashion shows. I asked Braylen later for her own words on what her relationship with Lara has meant to her design career. She told me that, “[Lara] has led me to the understanding and appreciation of sustainable design. Miller is a one of a kind artist who sheds light on environmentally friendly fabrics. Her innovative organic knitwear and silk organza garments illustrate the beauty and elegance through the flow of each piece. Similar to Lara, I plan to express both my quirky and eco-sensitive personality throughout my senior thesis collection next fall semester”. She went on to say, “Clothing that can be worn in multiple ways is a great design aesthetic that Lara Miller utilizes, which is very inspiring.” Perhaps Lara has planted the seed and another sustainable designer will be watered in the years ahead. We will follow Bralyen’s career at Bambootility Media to see for ourselves the impact that eco-friendly mentoring can have on up-and-coming designers.

Our conversations become mobile as we follow the lit mason jars through a maze of pathways and corridors that eventually lead to our underground dining table. An enchanting, cozy space carved out of the basement by Lara’s interior design friend, David.

A communal reclaimed wood table stretches the length of the space adorned with tall sweating water decanters that capture the reflection of the candlelight and yellow flowers. Although most of the guests, including us, were unfamiliar with each other, the flow of conversation was evident as chairs were claimed and glasses raised. The six courses that followed took us on a culinary journey led by co-creator and executive chef, Abe Conlon of X-Marx. Over the table, JC and Lara sparked thought provoking discussions on what it means to live sustainably, and the challenges of being a designer pioneering the eco-fashion scene. Interesting view points were shared and new connections made as we found common ground in our love for this environment we all inhabit together. We left much later than originally planned, since the conversations lingered well into the night. I left with an appreciation for those artisans who are making better sustainable choices, which in turn help us in the way we live and work one choice at a time. Cheers!

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About Us

Bambootility Media introduces its Bamboo Trade Blog

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A little about Bambootility Media...

An Evening with Lara Miller - Bamboo Sustainable Fashion