Originally Published February 9, 2013  Hemp is a major natural 
resource that can benefit both the economy and the environment. Industrial grade hemp, different from the hemp plant used as a drug, plays an important role in sustainable, organic, agricultural and industrial productions. Considered one of the purest, most complete plants on earth, hemp is often referred to as a carbon-negative raw material. It can quickly replenish, producing up to 25 tons per acre per year; enriches the soil by adding essential nutrients; controls the weeds; creates more oxygen than any other crop and it is biodegradable. Unlike other crops, hemp can grow in most climates, in most soil conditions, without fertilizers, and without pesticides.
Hemp is a versatile, eco-friendly material that is gaining popularity for responsible fashion, sustainable green home living, and natural care. Every part of the plant – outer stalk, inner stalk, seed kernel, seed husk, and leaves – are utilized to make natural products including textiles, paper, food, medicine, building materials, paint, detergent, oil, ink, and fuel. Although crop production is not allowed in the US, raw materials can be imported. An example is hemp fibers used in making fabric for home décor accessories and clothing. Quickly becoming a popular item, hemp clothing is durable, easy to wear and easy to care for.
Having long and very strong fibers hemp makes the most beautiful textiles. Rich in cellulose, hemp fibers are as much as 20 times stronger than cotton fibers. Apparel and home décor items produced from hemp fabric are very durable, more absorbent and mildew-resistant than cotton, anti-microbial, and are more effective than other fabrics at blocking the sun’s UV rays. Because of its hollow fibers hemp fabric is thermal in cold weather and cooling in warmer weather. With the discovery of softening techniques hemp garments have retained their traditional qualities with additional softness that makes it an attractive choice for linens as well as clothing.
For those who are earth aware, hemp paper too is becoming a first choice over wood pulp for paper products.Recycled hemp clothing, rags and fishing nets were used as input for paper production as long as 2000 years ago. Today, especially with its sustainable properties, hemp continues as a popular source for the production of paper. Hemp fibers are used in the production of notebooks, writing paper, copy paper, greeting cards and envelopes.
Hemp fiber products are a great sustainable green choice. Environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and versatile, hemp is helping to keep the world green. Do your part for our environment and search out products made from hemp as a delightful surprise of its versatility and also as a kindness to Mother Earth.
