10 June 2010
Visit GFFB’s World Cup Page
As the World Cup in South Africa draws near you are invited to visit the GFFB World Cup Page here  or you can go directly to the World Cup Schedule here.
Please also continue to follow the growing episode of Gladstone In China here.
Vision and Mission of GBHP
Vision:
To contribute to the alleviation of poverty and to improve the quality of life of poor people by providing sustainable and affordable bamboo housing solutions
Mission:
To promote bamboo as a sustainable and environmental friendly building material for ecological living around the world
 
THE PINGBIAN SCHOOL PROJECT: Made with Bamboo Materials
Programme approach
New Bamboo Based Engineered Materials
                      
Made through a series mechanical/ chemical processing, bamboo based panels featured in large standard sizes with good strength and flexibility, can be widely used for decorative, structural and environmental protection applications Â
Some advantages of Bamboo Engineered Materials:
standard sizesÂ
good / stable properties
engineered products with anti-insects/decay properties, can meet requirements on strength /stiffness by adjusting structure/sizes
from renewable resources
INDONESIAN APPLICATIONS FOR BAMBOO MEDICINE:
Bamboo Species and nomenclature which are used medicinally in Southeast Asia are:
Bamboo Beer - and its Medicinal Properties
An abstract from Journal of Bamboo ResearchNo.1, 2000
Zhang Ying, Zhejiang University
The extract of bamboo leaves (Ebl) is a kind of newly -developed flavonoid nutrient. Affluent in such active components as flavone glycosides and conmarin lactones, it has biological effects similar to those of extract of Ginkgo biloba. With Ebl acting as the positive control, this study using the model of high blood-lipid of SD rats investigated the recuperative effects of Ebl, at several dosage groups, on blood-lipid metabolism. The tests showed that Ebl lowered concentration of blood triglyceride and cholesterol significantly. Furthermore, it also elevated HDL-cholesterol and decreased LDL-cholesterol depending on dosage level. Ebl and Eb displayed equal effect at the same dosage.
CLICK ON EACH PICTURE BELOW TO ENLARGE
Bamboo beer, produced by fortifying EBL during the processing of normal beer, is characterized by a) typical aroma of bamboo leaves as well as a refreshing and mellow taste; b) abundant in bio - flavonoids and better activities of anti-free radicals and anti-oxidation; and c) excellent storage stability and lower re-ascend of diacetyl. Therefore, bamboo beer is a kind of high -quality healthy beer, which can help lower blood-lipid when consumed frequently.
More About Bamboo Vinegar
Bamboo vinegar contains over 200 ingredients (80 - 90% of which is water); all are of a natural composition, and safe for use on humans. It has a disinfectant effect in sterilizing the skin; the ester content can easy permeate and bring nutriment to the deep tissues. The acetic acid contained in bamboo vinegar will soften the skin cuticle and has a wonderful effect for skin care relieving dermatitis, itch, athlete’s foot etc.
Bamboo vinegar is a by-product of bamboo carbonization. Herbal properties include the powerful ability to assist in the discharge of unnecessary waste matter and toxins from the human body. Bamboo vinegar has also been used in health food drinks, cosmetics, medicines, and horticultural products.
Someone asked me yesterday: What is ICBR?…good question!
ANSWER: It is the International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan (ICBR). The  ICBR was established in July 2000 and is affiliated to the State Forestry Administration (SFA)  to provide services for the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), the first intergovernmental international organization headquartered in China;
 
With objectives to:
• support and assist INBAR to fulfill its mission;
• promote the sustainable development of bamboo and rattan in the world.
• promote international scientific cooperation and exchange on bamboo and rattan;
• foster senior professionals in the related areas;
• establish a modern international bamboo and rattan scientific and technological information network
• carry out bamboo and rattan training, seminars and publicity,
• provide services for INBAR.
Let us make some Bamboo Plywood
Bamboo plywood can be manufactured from 4-6 year old organically grown and certified moso bamboo: always the perfect color, density and strength. By providing premium quality products constructed from renewable resources, we can make a difference in the future of our planet.
Rectangular strips are cut from the bamboo and then boiled to remove sugars. Only premium quality strips are selected for manufacturing into plywood. After treatment and drying, a final moisture content of 6-8% is achieved to ensure optimum stability.
These bamboo strips then undergo state of the art compression using E1-level adhesives which binds them together to form plywood. The Bamboo plywood can be left unfinished and natural so that it can be custom stained and finished for maximum project flexibility.
PICTURE BELOW:PAVILION MADE FROM BAMBOO AND RATTANÂ ON SHOW AT THE 2010 SHANGHAI WORLD EXPO - YOU MAY HAVE TO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT!
A must read for everyoneÂ
Now that I am back I find that I am still reading the China Daily newspaper. It is very interesting so I thought I would share it with you…read more
FLOODS WREAK HAVOC IN S. CHINA ON 02 JUNE 2010.
Over 3 Million people affected
Check here daily for more pictures taken during Gladstone’s visit to China.
