Bamboo, Sustainable Wood of the Future?

Guest post by Jaeger Shaw

El dot is a green furnishings company, the brainchild of husband and wife team Leo and Lishu Rodriguez. Their bamboo furniture line combines a primitive, contemporary aesthetic with one of the most sustainable building materials known to man. Each piece is handcrafted in Nepal before being flat packed and sent to Poulsbo, WA where el dot is located.

Bamboo is an incredibly strong grass, but what most people don't know is that it is one of the world's fastest growing plants. El dot's goal of sustainability is met and exceeded through the use of bamboo, which can grow between three to seven times faster than normal trees. Bamboo is so efficient, and sustainable that el dot advocates for it as the wood of the future.


Leo and Lishu who once lived in Nepal, were inspired by the barebones beauty of bamboo products. Their goal is not only to translate that beauty into modern design, but also give back to the community in Katmandu and its surroundings. Each piece of el dot furniture sold helps to brings commerce and employment to the Nepalese.


El dot embodies the notion of the triple bottom line: The commitment to "people, planet, and profit." It is a business model that has earned them a certification with the B Corporation as well a membership to the Sustainable Furnishings Council.