Bamboo tissue’s green image fades once you factor in coal-powered manufacturing. Bamboo tissue paper produced in China has become a popular option for shoppers looking to reduce their environmental impact. Despite its green reputation, new research suggests these products may not deliver the climate advantages many consumers expect. In some cases, bamboo tissue may even have a greater environmental footprint than tissue made in the United States. A recent study from researchers at North Carolina State University examined the carbon footprint of bamboo tissue manufactured in China and compared it with conventional wood-based tissue produced in the U.S. and Canada. The analysis showed that bamboo as a raw material does not generate more greenhouse gas emissions than wood. The larger issue comes from energy use. China’s electricity system relies heavily on fossil fuels, which significantly increases emissions during manufacturing compared with the cleaner energy mix used in North America.