Hemp as an organic alternative

Over recent years, we’ve made several attempts to reduce the quantity of plastic accumulating in our modest three bedroom home. We do our best but the packaging industry seems to have our measure. Every consumer item arrives with layers of the stuff. It eats away precious space and remains depressingly indestructible. Over time this is true for many of the things we purchase. Nylon carpets, garden accessories synthetic polyester clothing, fabricated kitchens, and toys for the children. This pattern may well repeat itself from one generation to the next unless we look at some of the natural and environmentally sound materials which might one day be exchanged for synthetic plastics.

A good example of a versatile natural material, one inherently suitable for organic and sustainable production is the industrial version of Cannabis Sativa (Hemp). Plants from this family have been cultivated primarily as a source of textile and fiber for thousands of years. Industrial hemp is suitable for replacing a broad range of synthetic and environmentally harmful materials. The current applications of industrial hemp include the manufacture of papers, clothing, bioefficient fuels, packaging material, food, and nutrient supplements. Sound like a valuable cash crop?

Experienced organic farmers appreciate the attributes of industrial hemp. To begin with it copes very nicely without the assistance of artificial fertiliser or pesticides. Because of its extraordinary rate of growth, Cannabis Sativa competes favourably against weeds which attempt to choke and strangle the emerging crop. Unlike many intensely cultivated species, Cannabis plants are fairly resistant to disease. When raised according to crop rotation schedules, they do not require the intensive sprays and control methods which are routinely applied to many varieties of cotton, wheat, and maize. Mature plants also contribute to soil fertility by shedding a percentage of their leaves each day.

Instead of passively accepting the endless stream of polyester products, we’ve started asking for specific alternatives. Everyone knows about hemp clothing, the kids have taken to it in a big way. But if you don’t know as much as you’d like to, a really good place to start would be Organic Clothing’s look at hemp, which covers everything from growing to its use within manufacturing. My wife recently discovered a furnishing shop which stocks tablecloths, bags, and bedspreads woven from natural hemp fibers. You might occasionally get a blank stare or suspicious look when you ask for a Cannabis lampshade. Don’t worry. The times are definitely changing and your enthusiasm for natural materials may become a significant part of the long-term solution.