Wayi Bamboo Baby Clothes
When I think bamboo, I think of a material that is stronger than steel and long lasting hard wood floors. But when I interviewed Warren Raven, founder of Wayi bamboo products, he showed me how some bamboo materials are strong AND soft. Wayi turns bamboo into fabric that feels like silky cashmere perfect for your newborn's sensitive skin. Here's what he had to say...
Codi: Tell me about the Materials/Ingredients
Warren: The bamboo is grown organic. The bamboo produces greater biomass and 30% more oxygen than a hardwood forest on the same area, while improving watersheds, preventing erosion, restoring soil, providing sweet edible shoots and removing toxins from contaminated soil. Bamboo produces structural beams, flooring, wall paneling, fencing and many more sustainable by-products of environmental restoration. It helps reduce carbon dioxide gases blamed for global warming.
Bamboo is not a tree, it is a giant grass. Some species grow four feet in one day! Bamboo reaches full height in one growth spurt of about two months. When bamboo is harvested, the root system is unharmed and healthy, ready to produce more shoots, just like a grass lawn. The harvesting is all done by hand to keep this production re-growing over and over again.
Codi: Is it reusable, recyclable, biodegradable or compostable?
Warren: Yes it is. Due to the natural materials used in our socks and other garments, it is all of these things.
Codi: Tell me a bit about the bamboo products that you offer?
Warren: We have Socks from age zero all the way up to adult for men and women. Also we have baby clothing for 0 to 2 year olds. Oh and the best facial wash cloth you will ever feel, it is 100% bamboo. Coming this summer we have under wear and under shirts for men and women. Our clothing can be worn everyday to work or to work out in.
Codi: Where can I purchase your products?
Warren: Our biggest place to buy is at PCC Natural Markets, and Gregg's Cycle's. We have many baby stores that you can find real easy on our web page, www.wayi.biz just go to the section "where to buy."
Codi: What is the price (or range in price)?
Warren: Socks are around $5 to baby clothing up to $20 for an outfit.
Codi: Why would I spend more buying a bamboo based product instead of a traditional cotton made product?
Warren: Softness: It feels like cashmere or silk, it is extremely soft. Comfort: Bamboo apparel is comfortable, more breathable than cotton, fast drying, moisture-wicking, and thermal regulating. It will keep you cooler in the summer, and you can layer it to be warmer in the winter. Bacteria Free: Bamboo fiber contains a natural agent, that prevents the growth of bacteria, thus prevents odor. Natural: Bamboo is one of the world’s most prolific and fastest growing plants. It is inherently organic and is grown without pesticides or chemicals, and is 100% biodegradable. Easy Care: No dry cleaning necessary. Launder in cool water on Gentle Cycle and tumble dry low. Stain removers may be used for stubborn stains. The use of bleach or liquid fabric softener is not recommended. Dryer sheets may be used. Remove from dryer promptly or line dry.
Codi: How does it hold up to frequent washing?
Warren: It seams to get softer and softer with each wash. We have put it thru 50 washes and found no problem as of yet. Our dye is a certified eco-friendly dye as you can get right now. So the eco-friendly dye is better for the environment but might not keep its bright color as long as a harsh chemical dye..
Codi: Thanks Warren for taking the time to talk with me about your amazing products. I look forward to using them for my own family!
by Codi Ventura, Local Green Circle, May, 2009
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