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Why Hemp?Harmful Effects of Cotton ProductionCotton is the crop that consumes the most harmful insecticides worldwide. Cotton covers 2.4 per cent of the world’s farmland, but uses 24 per cent of the world’s insecticides, according to the World Wildlife Federation. These insecticides are extremely toxic, causing cancer and birth defects. About 70 per cent of all cotton crops in the USA are genetically engineered (GE) with the Bt toxin gene, according to the Council for Biotechnology Information. Unfortunately, even organic cotton farming has major environmental impacts. Cotton requires 22,000 litres of fresh water to produce 1 kilogram of cotton lint, according to the World Wildlife Federation, making it the most fresh water intensive crop in the world. The flood irrigation method used on cotton lays waste to huge areas of farm land through increased salinity. Part of the reason why cotton is still such a popular fibre is the huge infrastructure in place that perpetuates it. The agricultural pesticide industry is worth $40-billion U.S. annually, of which 10 per cent goes on cotton crops, according to the FAO and US EPA. In the U.S. alone the cotton industry generates $25-billion U.S. annually and employs 400,000 people, according to the USDA. These numbers mean cotton is big business, and a big business resisting changes to the status quo. Why Hemp is good
As the premier plant fiber, True Hemp or Cannabis sativa has served mankind for thousands of years and has always been valued for its strength and durability. Materials made from hemp have been discovered in tombs dating back to 8,000 B.C.E. Christopher Columbus sailed to America on ships rigged with hemp. The very first pair of jeans made by Levi Strauss were made from Hemp. While many people still know hemp as a coarse, scratchy fibre, an enzymatic process has been developed in the 1980s to successfully soften the fibre without reducing its strength. De-gummed hemp fiber can now be spun alone or with other fibers to produce textiles for apparel. This technological breakthrough has catapulted hemp to the forefront of modern textile design and fashion. Given hemp's superiority to other fibers, the benefits of this breakthrough are enormous. Superior Properties Hemp fiber is one of the strongest and most durable of all natural textile fibers. Products made from hemp will outlast their competition by many years. Not only is hemp strong, but it also holds its shape, stretching less than any other natural fiber. This prevents hemp garments from stretching out or becoming distorted with use. Hemp may be known for its durability, but its comfort and style are second to none. The more hemp is used, the softer it gets. Hemp doesn't wear out, it wears in. Hemp is also naturally resistant to mold and ultraviolet light. Due to the porous nature of the fiber, hemp is more water absorbent, and will dye and retain its color better than any fabric including cotton. This porous nature allows hemp to "breathe," so that it is cool in warm weather. Furthermore, air which is trapped in the fibers is warmed by the body, making hemp garments naturally warm in cooler weather. Environmental Advantages
Hemp is an extremely fast growing crop, producing more fiber yield per acre than any other source. Hemp can produce 250% more fiber than cotton and 600% more fiber than flax using the same amount of land. The amount of land needed for obtaining equal yields of fiber place hemp at an advantage over other fibers. Hemp grows best in warm tropical zones or in moderately cool, temperate climates, such as north america and Europe. Hemp leaves the soil in excellent condition for any succeeding crop, especially when weeds may otherwise be troublesome. Where the ground permits, hemp's strong roots descend for three feet or more. The roots anchor and protect the soil from runoff, building and preserving topsoil and subsoil structures similar to those of forests. Moreover, hemp does not exhaust the soil. Hemp plants shed their leaves all through the growing season, adding rich organic matter to the topsoil and helping it retain moisture. Farmers have reported excellent hemp growth on land that had been cultivated steadily for nearly 100 years. The possibilities for hemp fabrics are immense. It is likely that they will eventually supersede cotton, linen, and polyester in numerous areas. With so many uses and the potential to be produced cheaply, hemp textiles are the wave of the future! Further uses of Hemp:Hemp seeds are very healthy, the can be eaten just like that, or in baked goods and cereal. The oil that is pressed our of the seeds can be used in cooking or for soaps and body products. The rough stems of the Hemp plant serve for insulation of houses and cushioning of parcels. Furthermore, Hemp also has medical properties for healing.
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