Introduction
There are a lot of discussions going on these days about environmental responsibility and sustainability. What does this mean for the average person, and how can they make changes in their life to help the environment? One way to make a difference is by using industrial hemp products. Hemp is one of the most sustainable plants on earth, and it has a host of uses that can benefit the environment. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the ways that industrial hemp can be used to create more sustainable living practices.
The real solution is to adopt alternatives in our consumption habits instead of changing the habit itself.
Thankfully, using Hemp and it’s by-products can do that for us and benefit the environment in the larger scheme of things.
Let’s see how:
Industrial Hemp for Sustainability: The Eco-Friendly Choice
Hemp could be used as a more environmentally friendly replacement for some of the most pollutant substances in the world. Hemp is a versatile plant that not only provides CBD but its seeds and fibers can be used to make many modern products, like Hemp Fabric (an alternative to cotton), Hempcrete (an alternative to concrete), Hemp Bags and other products (an alternative for plastic products), Hemp Biodiesel (an alternative to finite fossil fuel).
Not only are hemp-based products more environmentally friendly, they’re also safer for the people who use them, when compared to products made with harmful chemicals. Hemp products can help us move away from our dependence on polluting and dangerous substances, to a more sustainable way of living.
Let’s look at some of the benefits of using Industrial Hemp.
Hemp does not require the use of pesticides or herbicides
Hemp is a crop defining sustainability in true sense, that doesn’t need pesticides or herbicides to thrive, unlike other crops. The harmful effects of these chemicals are widespread and well-documented; they sicken people, kill animals & plants, and pollute water, air & soil.
Pesticide use would decrease drastically if we transition even a small percentage of the world’s largest industrial crops, like soybeans and cotton, to hemp.
Hemp demands considerably less Water than other Crops
According to a study by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 70 percent of the world’s freshwater is used in agriculture. As our global population grows, our food and fresh water needs will increase proportionately.
With every passing season, the need for crops that use less water becomes more prominent. Hemp is regarded as a low-water-consuming crop by most prognoses. This makes hemp a more long-term solution for conserving water. To bring back sustainability in everyone’s lifestyle, adopting hemp is the way.
Industrial Hemp for Carbon Farming
Another example of interesting industrial hemp use is carbon farming.
Carbon Farming is an agricultural technique that improves the rate at which CO2 is removed from the atmosphere and stored in plant material and/or soil organic matter.
Hemp plants are very adept at carbon sequestration, which is the process of pulling carbon from the atmosphere and storing it. Hemp does this via photosynthesis, where the plant pulls in carbon dioxide and permanently bonds it to plant fibers. The only way for this stored Carbon to be released is if the hemp plants are burned or composted.
Greener Alternative to Plastic Products
“Hemp can be used to create sustainable, biodegradable plastics.”
In addition, hemp-based plastics can be recycled more times than petroleum-based plastics. They can also be reused as fuel, which helps to close the loop on plastic waste.
Bioplastics are lightweight, decompose naturally, and can take the place of many petrochemical plastics (plastics derived from oil).
Hemp plastics are stronger than their fossil-fuel-based counterparts and do not release harmful toxins when incinerated. The less of the product that needs to be produced, the more energy can be saved as a result of its durability. Hemp plastic is also resistant to heat, making it ideal for the most common plastic products like disposable spoons, forks, and plates.
An Environmentally Friendly alternative to Fossil Fuels
Everyone is aware of the environmental consequences that come with fossil fuel emissions and oil extraction.
Industrial hemp can be created into various biofuels, such as diesel, ethanol, and methanol. Hemp biofuels have the potential to supersede fossil fuels in multiple crucial applications, for example, automobiles and large industrial factories.
“Hemp is a viable source for biodiesel, a kind of energy derived from plant material.”
A study found that the primary issue with most biofuel is that it requires using farmland typically dedicated to growing food. However, hemp can grow in less-than-ideal soil and climates, so farming does not compete for land resources with other crops.
Cotton may be replaced with Hemp Fabric
While cotton farming may reduce soil quality, the use of pesticides in cotton farming is a leading cause of freshwater pollution. In fact, according to research, cotton accounts for 11 percent of all pesticides and 24 percent of insecticides used worldwide.
Not only is hemp fabric environmentally friendlier than cotton, but it’s also highly durable and able to put up with more wear and tear. Hemp fabric is naturally permeable, which means it breathes and is great in hot weather. It’s also naturally insulating and retaining air, making it perfect for chilly conditions.
Hemp Paper is more Sustainable than Tree-Derived Paper
Industrial hemp has shown considerable potential in comparison to paper produced from trees. Trees take quite some time to mature, but hemp grows relatively quickly. Hemp production, championing sustainability, is not only more efficient but also eco-friendly, as it takes fewer resources to produce an equivalent amount of paper. Hemp paper is also said to be more durable and resistant to decay than tree-derived paper. It’s also simpler to recycle, according to manufacturers.
Hemp is an excellent Building Material
Cement, a key ingredient in concrete production, is the second most consumed natural resource globally. It also happens to be the second largest producer of carbon dioxide emissions at 8 percent. Sustainability has gone for a toss since cement has been introduced to the world.
Hempcrete, a kind of concrete manufactured from hemp, is already in use across the world. This concrete alternative is less brittle than regular concrete and does an excellent job at sound absorption. This makes it the perfect choice for building homes in busy cities where noise pollution is a major issue. With its superior soundproofing capabilities, this material is ideal for city living.
Hemp fibers make excellent natural insecticides and pesticides, while also being great heat conductors that help retain heat efficiently. These materials, in addition to being waterproof, can also regulate moisture and humidity indoors, making them ideal for a variety of applications.
Is Hempcrete Stronger than Concrete?
“A lot of people wonder if hempcrete is stronger than concrete. Let’s take a closer look at some of their properties.”
In comparison to concrete, hempcrete has a compressive strength of 1/20 and is only 15% dense. Therefore, it is not as strong as concrete and should be used with a load-bearing structural system made from another material. Fortunately, hempcrete is less likely to crack under movement because of its low density. This makes it an ideal material for buildings in areas prone to earthquakes.
Various articles have been published about House made of Hemp in Pauri, Garhwal District. Here are few of them:
Have a look on article: Hempcrete: A Comprehensive Guide
Conclusion
The applications of industrial hemp are vast and varied. This versatile, eco-friendly crop has the potential to replace many products that are currently damaging our environment. From plastics and building materials to paper and clothing, there is a hemp-based alternative for just about everything.
It’s time we start using industrial hemp to create a future with greater sustainability for generations to come.
So, next time you’re looking for an eco-friendly or sustainable product, remember that hemp is a great option! By using hemp products, we can help make the world a cleaner and safer place for everyone.
Join the movement and help spread the word about this incredible plant!
