Bamboo vs Cotton

At Bamboo Babe, we choose bamboo because of its proven environmental benefits. Compared to cotton, bamboo has a much lower environmental impact, supporting healthier soil, cleaner water, and better carbon storage.
In this article, we break down the bamboo vs cotton environmental impact in a clear, simple way.

 

Bamboo Carbon Sequestration and Climate Impact

Carbon sequestration is when plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air and store it in the ground, helping reduce climate change.

Why Bamboo Is Better Than Cotton for Carbon Storage

• Bamboo is highly effective at carbon sequestration, absorbing more CO₂ than many trees
• Bamboo forests can store up to 12–17 tonnes of carbon per hectare per year
  
• Bamboo continues absorbing carbon after harvesting due to its permanent root system

This makes bamboo an important plant for reducing climate emissions, unlike cotton, which often releases more carbon due to soil disturbance.

Bamboo vs Cotton: Soil Health and Erosion

Soil erosion occurs when healthy soil is lost through wind or rain.

Bamboo Soil Protection

• Deep, permanent root systems prevent soil erosion
  
• Roots stay intact after harvesting helping to maintain the structure of the soil
  
• Helps protect nearby waterways from sediment pollution

Cotton’s Environmental Impact on Soil

• Cotton farming often requires tilling
  
• Tilling loosens soil and increases erosion
  
• Long-term soil health declines over time
  

Why is this important? Soil erosion contributes to carbon emissions. When topsoil erodes it can enter the atmosphere in the form of dust. This displaced soil is a form of organic carbon which oxidizes and enters the atmosphere as CO2.
In addition to this, erosion leads to the loss of nutrient-rich topsoil and release of sediment into waterways.
According to WWF, Half of the topsoil on the planet has been lost in the last 150 years. 
Find out more here. 

 Bamboo vs Cotton Water Usage

Water use is one of the biggest differences between bamboo and cotton.

• Cotton is one of the most water-intensive crops in the world
  
• Bamboo relies mostly on natural rainfall
  
• Bamboo production places far less stress on rivers and groundwater

 This makes bamboo a smarter choice for eco-friendly menstrual products.

 Chemicals and Environmental Safety

Conventional cotton farming practices large amounts of pesticides and fertilisers, contributing to water pollution and soil damage.

Bamboo grows naturally with minimal chemical inputs, making bamboo fibre sustainability much stronger than cotton.

 Bamboo as a Renewable Resource

Bamboo is a renewable resource, meaning it grows back quickly without replanting.

• Bamboo grows rapidly
  
• Harvesting does not kill the plant
  
• This supports long-term sustainable farming

 Bamboo vs Cotton: Environmental Benefits Summary

Why bamboo is better than cotton for the environment:

• Higher carbon sequestration
  
• Lower water usage
  
• Reduced soil erosion
  
• Fewer chemicals
  
• Rapid regrowth

These benefits make bamboo a clear winner in the bamboo vs cotton environmental benefits debate, even when compared to organic cotton.

 Why Bamboo Matters at Bamboo Babe

At Bamboo Babe, we believe sustainable menstrual pads should protect both people and the planet. Choosing bamboo helps reduce environmental harm while supporting better farming practices.