National Hemp Month: The Eco-Friendly Material You Should Know About

What is Hemp?

Hemp has been cultivated for thousands of years, dating back to 150 BC when the Chinese created the world's first for of paper. Recently it's re-emerging in the world of sustainable materials. From clothing and paper to bioplastics and building materials, hemp has a wide range of applications with a significantly reduced environmental impact. Hemp is a part of the Cannabis sativa plant family, but unlike its psychoactive cousin marijuana, hemp contains negligible amounts of THC. What it does contain are a lot of beneficial properties. Hemp growth requires minimal water, thrives in various climates, and even improves soil health by suppressing weeds and preventing erosion.  Hemp is naturally resistant to pests, eliminating the need for harmful pesticides.

Sustainability with Hemp

Hemp's eco-friendly credentials are undeniable.  Compared to traditional materials like cotton, hemp requires significantly less water (up to ten times less) and land. Additionally, hemp cultivation helps combat climate change by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at a rate four times higher than trees. The benefits extend beyond the farm. Hemp fabrics are naturally durable, breathable, and resistant to bacteria. This translates to longer-lasting clothing and fewer washes, reducing energy and water consumption.  In comparison, cotton production is a thirsty business, and conventional cotton clothing often requires harsh chemicals to achieve desired softness and dyes. Hemp, on the other hand, softens naturally and resists mold and mildew growth, further reducing the need for chemicals.

What can I make with Hemp?

So, how can you incorporate this crop? The answer is in everything from what you wear to what you write on:

• Clothing: Hemp fabrics are comfortable, strong, and come in a variety of textures. Look for hemp shirts, pants, dresses, and even shoes!  The durability of hemp means your clothes will last longer, saving you money in the long run.

• Homeware: Hemp fibers can be woven into towels, sheets, and rugs, creating a naturally breathable and antimicrobial environment in your home.

• Paper: Hemp paper is a more sustainable alternative to traditional wood pulp paper. It requires less processing, fewer chemicals, and creates a stronger, longer-lasting paper product.

• Building Materials: Hemp hurds, the woody inner core of the stalk, can be used to create hempcrete, a biocomposite building material with superior insulation properties. Hempcrete offers a lower environmental impact than traditional building materials like concrete and can even help regulate indoor humidity.

• Accessories: Hemp fibers are used to create bags, hats, and other accessories that are not only stylish but also eco-friendly.

Hemp Vs. Trees

One of the most compelling aspects of hemp is its rapid growth rate. Here's where hemp truly shines compared to trees. Unlike trees that take years, even decades, to mature, hemp can be harvested in just 3-4 months. This rapid renewal cycle makes hemp a much more sustainable source of raw materials. Let's look at the paper industry as an example.  Currently, the paper industry relies heavily on trees, which are slow-growing and take years to replenish.  To meet our paper demands, vast forests are cut down, leading to deforestation and habitat loss for countless species.  Hemp, on the other hand, can be continually harvested and replanted throughout the year.  An acre of hemp can produce the same amount of fiber as four acres of trees. This translates to a significant reduction in the number of trees needed to meet our paper needs.

The environmental benefits go beyond just tree preservation.  Tree removal for paper production often involves the use of heavy machinery and transportation, further contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.  Hemp cultivation, with its shorter harvest cycles, requires less machinery and transportation, reducing the overall environmental impact.

The Bottom Line

Hemp offers a compelling combination of environmental and economic benefits. By incorporating hemp products into your life, you're not just making a sustainable choice, you're also potentially saving money in the long run due to the durability of hemp materials. From reducing water usage and your reliance on harsh chemicals to supporting healthy soil and a cleaner atmosphere, hemp is a powerful tool for building a more sustainable future. So, next time you're looking for an eco-friendly option, consider hemp!

Resource:

“National Hemp Month Spotlight: Hemp Paper and Plastics.” Vicente LLP, 23 July 2021, vicentellp.com/insights/national-hemp-month-spotlight-hemp-paper-and-plastics/.