Bamboo dreams: green designers love this versatile grass, which grows quickly without pesticides

Natural Health, Sept, 2007 by Christine Richmond

1. The bamboo used in these sophisticated, featherweight ASTER VESARA BANGLES ($26-$59; astervesara.com) is toasted until it takes on a rich cafe-aulait color and then sanded until it shines. The double-stranded bracelet is finished with squares carved from tagua, a South American palm nut.

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2. Knit from a blend of bamboo and organic cotton, the OF THE EARTH STAR DRESS ($98; oftheearth.com) looks like a wrap dress but is actually an easy-to-wear pullover with a removable belt. It falls just below the knee and has modest 3/4-length sleeves and pretty open-stitch detailing around the neck and shoulders.

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3. This boho-chic BAMBOO BELT ($20; shop4bamboo.com) is made from 1 1/2-inch segments of glazed bamboo held together with black twine. It doesn't have a buckle--you tie it to get your desired length--so one size should fit most.

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4. These HUSH PUPPIES TIKUNA BOOTS ($172; hushpuppies.com) are part of the company's new Harmony collection of eco-sensitive footwear. The footbed is made from a blend of recycled foam and bamboo (which has natural antibacterial properties); the leather uppers come from tanneries that have environmental stewardship programs; and the lining is 100 percent hemp (another fast-growing grass).

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5. Crafted from Italian upholstery fabric and featuring a geometric print in shades of cocoa, gold, and bronze, the MARKETA GOLD RUSH BAG ($125; marketanewyork.com) has a sturdy natural bamboo handle, a magnetic snap closure, and two spacious interior pockets.

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