Bamboo has been getting a lot more love lately.  From flooring to textiles, bamboo has become the wood associated with "green" and "sustainable" amongst consumers.

Why is bamboo considered sustainable?  Well, bamboo is quite possibly the fastest growing plant on earth.  Bamboo "trees" are not trees at all but actually a grass that can be harvested within 4 years of planting.

And now manufacturing technology has developed ways of turning this ultra-strong and resilient "wood" into a fibre that can be woven into some of the softest and most luxurious textiles imaginable.

Bamboo keeps you warm in the winter, cool in the summer.  It wicks moisture.  It even contains a naturally occurring anti-microbial agent called "kun" which prevents the growth of bacteria.  From baby's onsies to underwear to bed linens, we're going to be seeing a lot more bamboo on store shelves this Christmas shopping season.

» The Today Show (MSNBC)