there are types of bamboo that are cold resistant, but frankly most people don't TRY to grow bamboo. It can literally take over and force out the native plants if it takes hold.
Bamboo is a very versatile material. It can be eaten, used as building material, made into fabric, etc. And it is very self replenishing.
Conservationists don't have a big problem with MDF and particle board. They can be made out of recycled wood fibers, and provide a use for the by-product of saw mills. Sure in their perfect world, there would be NO sawmills, but that's not realistic right now.