I understand that bamboo is a rapidly renewable product, which is a "green" advantage. I've started a website that allows eco-friendly businesses to post ads free, so I have included businesses that use bamboo in construction. However, a builder on another site recently reported to me that bamboo use in the U.S. is no longer considered "green" because it has to be transported so far. Has anyone else heard about a controversy surrounding bamboo as a green product?

From what I understand, bamboo is sort of a gray area when it comes to green. It is a rapidly renewable resource in that it requires no replanting because it sends out 4-6 new shoots a year and it reaches maturity in 4 years versus 25+ for commercial trees. However, many in the textile arena don't view it as being so green because of the caustic chemicals that are needed to make possible to turn into fabric. I hadn't really thought about where it is grown. It seems that it can be grown in most regions of the world, but I'm not sure where it is typically cultivated commercially. Hopefully, there is someone out there who will read these posts who knows quite a bit more. My focus is more organic cotton, hemp and silk because that's what I use for my business. Even with those, I'm still learning.