bamboo plant | Panda https://pandalondon.com Feel right at home Tue, 15 Aug 2023 15:35:37 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://pandalondon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/cropped-Panda-Icon-Logo-01-32x32.png bamboo plant | Panda https://pandalondon.com 32 32 What to Look for and Avoid When Choosing Summer Bedding https://pandalondon.com/what-to-look-for-and-avoid-when-choosing-summer-bedding/ Thu, 27 Jul 2023 12:39:47 +0000 https://pandalondon.com/?p=236178

When the days get longer and the nights get warmer, choosing appropriate bedding is important to ensure you feel cool and comfortable as you sleep. Being too hot at night is a huge curse on many of us as we try to drift off in the summer, and there are plenty of things to look out for when choosing bedding for summer to combat this feeling. Material, weight, and cleaning instructions regarding your summer bedding are all things to consider.

What should be taken into consideration when choosing summer bedding?

Before you dive into bed, let’s dive into the considerations you should make when browsing stylish summer bedding options…

Lightweight and breathable fabrics

Lightweight materials are key, and there are many benefits to this. They will keep you covered without weighing you down, and breathable fabrics like bamboo allow air circulation. This helps keep you cool on those irritating nights when it feels too hot to drift off.

Moisture-wicking properties

When the temperature creeps up, it often means we sweat more at night and might experience more moisture in the air. This can leave us feeling uncomfortable and sticky, further preventing sleep. Moisture-wicking bedding allows for a cool and dry sleep, free from the dampness of the night. Bamboo is a great example of a moisture-wicking fabric!

Natural fibre options

Summer bedding is best when it’s all-natural – fibres like cotton, linen and bamboo work best. Synthetic options are often heavier or slightly itchy, leaving you uncomfortable on hot nights. On the other hand, natural fibres have so many benefits: they’re softer and have that all-important breathability alongside moisture-wicking properties. These natural materials, especially bamboo, also tend to be more eco-friendly than their alternatives. This means you can be kind to the planet as you snooze.

What are the recommended summer bedding materials?

There are a couple of recommendations for summer bedding materials, including linen and bamboo.

Linen bedding

If you want to avoid heavy bedding, linen is a great option; it is weaved differently to cotton bedding, allowing air to flow more freely. It is also slightly stiffer, so while it remains comfortable, it is less likely to stick to your body when you get hot. Linen also has the ability to wick away any moisture, which is ideal for helping you feel less sweaty on warm nights.

Bamboo bedding

Bamboo is a prime example of cooling bedding; it is incredibly soft, luxurious on the skin as you drift off, and very breathable. The increased airflow from bamboo bedding means you’ll feel fresh all night long. It is hypoallergenic, too, so it’s perfect if you suffer from sensitive skin, which is often exacerbated by the heat! Naturally antibacterial and moisture-wicking, it really is an amazing option when it comes to lightweight bedding.

Deep Sea Navy 100% Bamboo Bedding Complete Set

 

Avoiding heavy bedding

If your bedding is too heavy, this can be uncomfortable – feeling weighed down as you try to drift off will have you tossing and turning for hours. Heavy bedding can also lead to overheating, which is a big risk during the hotter months. Breathable and lightweight duvets are best, but you might want to opt for just a flat sheet or thin throw to keep you cool at night.

Steer clear of synthetic materials

Synthetic materials, like microfiber bedding, are thick and not breathable, meaning they lack the ability to keep you cool in the summer. They trap the heat, which makes you feel warmer as you try to sleep. You should avoid synthetic materials, which are also known to trap odours and bacteria – this isn’t healthy for you, your body, or your bed itself. Natural or organic alternatives, like bamboo or linen, are perfect for the summer as synthetic options lack so many benefits.

Allergy-friendly and hypoallergenic options

If you have allergies or sensitive skin, it is worth considering your summer bedding. Sleep is a great healer, so you don’t want to be itchy or uncomfortable at night – hypoallergenic bedding materials and covers are a great way to ensure you’re not scratching or sneezing all night long. Bamboo is hypoallergenic, as it is inhospitable to dust mites. These allergen-resistant properties, coupled with how soft and smooth it feels against the skin, make it the perfect choice for those who suffer with allergies and skin issues. UV protection bedding is also a great option in the summer, especially for those afternoon siestas…

Easy care and durability

The summer is all about having fun and enjoying yourself, so the last thing you want to be worrying about is getting your bedding clean. Look for naturally antibacterial options, which will stay cleaner for longer, and moisture-wicking bedding that doesn’t soak up summer sweats. Easy-care bedding means choosing low-maintenance fabrics like bamboo, especially if they’re quick-drying. This means you can wash and dry them in time for bed! Durable materials are key, too, meaning you can enjoy your cool summer bedding for years to come. The ease of care and durability of summer bedding is important.

Comfort and temperature regulation

You should prioritise comfort over everything else, and this has a lot to do with personal preference; you might want to add a mattress topper for extra comfort and look for cooling pillows and sheets too. Keep your room at the right temperature, and opt for bedding features that keep you comfortable, like cooling technologies, breathable fabrics, and moisture-wicking bedding. Bamboo is naturally thermoregulating, which is perfect for your comfort and temperature regulation: you won’t overheat, but you’ll still feel comfortable as you sleep.

Your summer bedding

Comfort is key, especially when it comes to falling asleep on hot summer nights. You should look for lightweight, breathable and allergy-friendly bedding made from natural fabrics like bamboo or linen. Opt for high-quality and durable bedding, meaning you won’t have to purchase a new set each summer. Keep windows open or use a fan to create a cool bedroom, and reduce the amount of electrical items emitting heat within your room. Relax, and drift off under your cool summer bedding to ensure the best night’s sleep possible.

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Bamboo Around the World: Where Bamboo Grows https://pandalondon.com/bamboo-around-the-world-where-bamboo-grows/ Mon, 17 Jul 2023 16:58:23 +0000 https://pandalondon.com/?p=232827

Bamboo is a remarkable plant known for its versatility, strength, and sustainability. It is widely recognised for its use in various industries: construction, furniture, textiles, and even as a food source. But where does bamboo grow? This wonder plant is a global presence, distributed across various continents, and it plays a significant role in sustainable development across the world.

Bamboo Species and Distribution

There are over 1,500 species of bamboo spread across the world, making it one of the most widely distributed plants on Earth. Bamboo can be found in some incredibly diverse climates, from tropical regions to high-altitude mountains, as well as in some temperate zones. Each species has its own unique characteristics and growth requirements, contributing to the variety of bamboo ecosystems around the world.

Bamboo Infographics

Bamboo in Asia

Asia is the continent most closely associated with bamboo, as it is home to the largest number of bamboo species. From the towering groves of Moso bamboo in China to the sprawling bamboo forests dotted across Japan, Korea, and other Southeast Asian countries, bamboo has played a significant role in the region’s culture and economy for centuries. Asian countries have long utilised bamboo for construction, handmade crafts, and as a sustainable source of timber and fibre.

Bamboo Infographics - Asia

Bamboo in the Americas

Although not as diverse in species as Asia, the Americas also have their fair share of bamboo habitats. The lush bamboo forests of Central and South America are known for species like Guadua and Chusquea. Meanwhile over in the USA, the Pacific Northwest and parts of the Southern states are home to their own native bamboo species such as Arundinaria. The versatility of bamboo has been embraced by indigenous communities in the Americas for centuries, with various traditional uses in crafts, housing, and even musical instruments.

Bamboo Infographics - America

Bamboo in Africa

Africa boasts a remarkable range of bamboo species across its diverse landscapes. From the towering bamboo thickets of Madagascar to the bamboo forests found in regions like Ethiopia and Nigeria, bamboo plays a vital role in African ecosystems and local communities. African countries are recognising the economic and environmental benefits of bamboo, and many have initiated bamboo planting and management programs to promote sustainable development.

Bamboo Infographics - Africa

Sustainable Bamboo Management and Conservation

The global significance of bamboo extends beyond its practical uses. Bamboo plays a crucial role in sustainable development, providing jobs for rural communities, as well as aiding with environmental conservation. Bamboo’s rapid growth and its innate ability to sequester carbon make it an effective tool in combatting climate change. Not only this, but bamboo forests also act as natural water filters, preserving soil quality, preventing erosion, and providing habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Sustainable bamboo management practices, such as bamboo reforestation and responsible harvesting, are essential for the preservation of valuable ecosystems across the globe.

Where Bamboo Grows

Bamboo’s global presence is a testament to its adaptability and resilience. From the towering giants of Asia to the intricately thin-stemmed species in the Americas and Africa, bamboo thrives in diverse climates across the world. As we recognise the importance of sustainable development and environmental conservation, bamboo emerges as a renewable resource with immense potential. Harnessing the power of bamboo for bedroom accessories is one way to really celebrate the incredible properties of this fantastic plant.

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