I moved into my house and found that there was a small patch of bamboo growing on the edge of my yard. I was making plans to cut it all down and remove it, when I noticed some bamboo shoots in my stir fry mix. They were tasty. It got me thinking, what else is bamboo good for, especially for preppers, and do I really want to get rid of it?
What is Bamboo Used For?
I knew bamboo was really popular in eastern culture, but I started doing some research. Bamboo is used for a variety of purposes, including construction, furniture, flooring, textiles, and paper production. I’ve even got a cutting board made from bamboo. It is also used in the production of various food and beverage products, such as bamboo shoots and bamboo-derived alcohol. Additionally, bamboo is used in traditional medicine and as an ornamental plant in gardens. Because it is a fast-growing and renewable resource, it is also being researched for use in biofuel production.
Why You Should Consider Planting Bamboo
Preppers may want to plant bamboo for a variety of reasons, such as its fast-growing and renewable nature, its versatility as a resource, and its potential use as a food source.
Bamboo can grow quickly, up to 91 cm (36 in) in 24 hours, under the right conditions and can be harvested within 3-5 years. This means that it can be a reliable source of materials for construction, furniture, flooring, textiles, and paper production.
In terms of food, bamboo shoots are edible and can be a source of nutrition. I like them in my stir fry. Additionally, bamboo can be used to make alcohol, which can be a source of bartering or trade.
Bamboo also has practical uses such as fencing, privacy screening, windbreak, erosion control, and soil stabilization. It can also be used for animal feed and forage for livestock.
In summary, planting bamboo can provide a prepper with a reliable and versatile resource that can be used for a variety of purposes, including construction, food, and trade. It can also be used to make weapons.
Bamboo for Weapons
Bamboo can be used to make a variety of weapons, such as spears, arrows, blow darts, and staffs. In ancient times and in some cultures, bamboo was also used to make swords and other edged weapons. The strength and flexibility of bamboo make it well-suited for use in weapons, as it can withstand the impact of striking or thrusting while remaining relatively lightweight.
Bamboo spears are particularly popular in certain cultures, as they are easy to make and can be used for both hunting and self-defense. Bamboo arrows can also be made and used with a traditional bow. Blow darts can also be made from bamboo, which can be used for hunting small game or for self-defense.
Conclusion
It shouldn’t come as any surprise that I didn’t end up cutting down that bamboo patch I had growing. Bamboo is far too versatile, and I’m highly considering planting more. Bamboo has been a staple in many cultures for thousands of years. Learning how to use it can increase your chances for survival and success in an apocalyptic situation.
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