This isn't anything new; in fact, hemp clothing began to be used thousands of years ago. Hemp, also known as cannabis sativa, is said to be one of the first cultivated plants. Hemp clothing is making a strong comeback these days, and here we'll give you some of the reasons why.
HEMP IS A CARBON WARRIOR
Global warming is real and happening; it's a fact. There are more and more movements and people who believe we must change things, both individuals and industries. The fashion sector and its surroundings are among the most polluting, generating enormous amounts of waste and greenhouse gases. Current fast fashion trends translate into rapid production and consumption of clothing, which increases the carbon footprint. Growing hemp in fields helps absorb CO2 from the atmosphere at a faster rate compared to other trees. Hemp cultivation is capable of generating a positive impact on the environment as it is one of the few crops capable of balancing human CO2 emissions. Through a process known as "carbon sequestration," the hemp plant captures CO2 from the atmosphere. This generates a negative carbon footprint on the environment because the amount of CO2 the plant metabolizes during its growth stage is greater than that released during harvesting and processing. For every ton of hemp produced, 1.63 tons of CO2 are removed from the air.
NO NEED FOR PESTICIDES OR HERBICIDES
A large proportion of the pesticides and herbicides produced worldwide are used in cotton cultivation, most of which has a significant environmental impact. Although cotton cultivation only accounts for 2.41 TP3T of the world's arable land, it consumes 251 TP3T of pesticides and herbicides.
Just remember the Bhopal disaster (India), which occurred on December 3, 1984, where 15,000 people died and another 150,000 were affected by the leak of 30 tons of methyl isocyanate from a company that manufactured pesticides for cotton crops.
Furthermore, the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) considers seven of the 15 most commonly used insecticides used in cotton farming in this country to be "possible," "probable," or "known" carcinogens. We must also not forget the problems associated with excessive chemical fertilizers, especially nitrogenous fertilizers, which are a source of groundwater and surface water pollution. They cause eutrophication of rivers and lakes, preventing the proper development of aquatic life. Added to this are the effects on climate change and the greenhouse effect of N2O, 150 times more potent than CO2.
REDUCES WATER POLLUTION
As mentioned above, the use of agrochemicals is minimal, which eliminates the erosion of topsoil caused by tree felling. This would also reduce the risk of contamination of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, streams, etc.
HEMP REQUIRES LESS LAND
The area required for hemp cultivation is much smaller—almost half the area needed for cotton cultivation. Furthermore, hemp can produce three times more fiber than cotton on the same land. In short, hemp cultivation and production would not place an excessive burden on our planet.
A PRODIGIOUS FIBER
Hemp is one of the oldest and most versatile plants known to humans and is probably the first non-food crop. It has always been found throughout human life. The exact origin of Cannabis sativa L. is unclear, but it appears to have originated in Central Asia, near the Altai and Tian Shan mountains. There is a wealth of archaeological evidence showing that its use began around 12,000 BC. The Egyptians themselves cultivated it around 4,000 BC to obtain paper and textile fibers, with which to make hemp clothing.
Hemp fabric is naturally antimicrobial, keeping your clothes cleaner for longer and preventing them from developing odor-causing bacteria. It's considered the world's toughest natural fiber and incredibly durable. Since the dawn of civilizations, it has been used to make canvas, rope, and even sails for boats. Hemp fabric has UV protection of 95%, while most fabrics barely exceed 30%. Its fiber has antibacterial properties, is highly resistant to mold, and eliminates unpleasant odors.
Due to its antimicrobial properties, hemp is much stronger and more durable than most natural textile fibers. Unlike garments made from other materials, which distort with repeated use, hemp clothing retains its shape and lasts much longer!
PETROLEUM SUBSTITUTE
Hemp can be used as a substitute for petroleum in almost all applications. It may seem like a bit of an exaggerated phrase, but it's true. It's used as a raw material in the production of more than 50,000 products and is useful for a multitude of industrial applications. Hemp can be used to obtain everything from biofuels to plastics, textile fibers, cellulose for the paper industry, materials for construction in the aeronautical industry, and more. It's versatility in its own right!
IN CONCLUSION…
After reading all this about hemp clothing and discovering the fascinating world hidden behind this magical plant, you're sure to want to touch and feel what it's like to wear a hemp garment. Now that you know the benefits of its cultivation and use for the planet and for us, you have all the information to make your own decision. Now we have no excuse.
Hemp clothing was a thing of the past. Will it be the future? We believe and hope so!
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