We often talk about the incredible health benefits of hemp, but did you know that this remarkable plant is also a superhero for the environment? Cultivated by humans for thousands of years, hemp offers a treasure trove of sustainable solutions that go beyond its medicinal uses.
Let's explore our top ten fascinating facts about how this wonderous plant is actively contributing to a greener healthier planet!
Hemp can be used to build houses: Hemp fibers, when mixed with limestone and water, create "hempcrete" – an eco-friendly alternative to traditional concrete. Weighing only 1/9th of standard concrete, hempcrete acts as an excellent vermin repellent and insulator. Its versatility extends to bricks, flooring, insulation, roofing, and wall panels, making it a top choice for environmentally conscious construction projects.
Hemp absorbs more Carbon Dioxide than forests: Studies reveal that hemp surpasses forests in capturing atmospheric carbon, with industrial hemp absorbing 8 to 15 tonnes of CO2 per hectare. This makes hemp a powerful tool for carbon sequestration and a valuable ally in the fight against climate change.
Hemp can be used to clean up polluted soil: Hemp plants have the ability to absorb and accumulate heavy metals and toxins from the soil, a process known as phytoremediation. This characteristic makes hemp valuable for cleaning up contaminated areas and improving soil health. In the wake of the Chernobyl disaster, scientists planted hemp in contaminated soil. It removed chemicals and absorbed heavy metals better than any other plant.
Hemp makes stronger and more durable textiles: Hemp fibres are some of the strongest and most durable natural fibres in the world. In fact, hemp's tensile strength is up to eight times that of cotton. It is also resistant to salt water, UV light, rot and humidity. No wonder the Vikings loved it! Hemp ropes, boat caulking and sails were indispensable tools for navigating the waters of the North Atlantic. Today, we can help protect these very same oceans by embracing the natural, plant-based fibres of hemp to keep our precious marine environments free from the microplastics shed by other synthetic materials.
Hemp can be used to make biodegradable plastics: Hemp fibers can be used to reinforce bioplastics, creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics. Hemp plastic is biodegradable and can help reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastic products, such as packaging, utensils, and disposable items.
Hemp can make quadruple the paper that trees can: Hemp has been used for making paper since 105AD. The first copy of the Bible was written on hemp paper. Hemp paper requires fewer chemicals and less water to manufacture, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wood pulp. Additionally, hemp is a high-yield crop. One acre of hemp produces four times more paper-producing fiber pulp than one acre of trees. By promoting the cultivation of hemp for paper production, we could reduce some of the devastating effects of deforestation.
Hemp could help save the bees. Hemp is a great pollen source for bees, particularly those plants grown for seed and fiber. As a late-season food source, hemp could play a crucial role in supporting declining honey bee populations.
Hemp can be used as a meat substitute: Hemp is packed with more protein per gram than any meat source. 30g of hemp seeds contains 9.46g of protein and all nine essential amino acids. There is even a company in New Zealand that has launched a hemp-based chicken alternative, which can be sustainably produced without the need for imported ingredients. Could hemp be part of the solution for world hunger problems?
Hemp is known for its eco-friendly cultivation practices: It requires minimal pesticides and herbicides, and it can thrive in diverse climates. Hemp is a relatively water-efficient crop, requiring less water compared to traditional crops like cotton. Its deep root system also helps prevent soil erosion and promotes water conservation. Moreover, the crop grows easily and is usually ready for harvesting within 120 days when grown under optimal conditions, making it highly renewable.
From construction materials to carbon capture and beyond, hemp's eco-friendly properties make it an unparalleled force for positive change. As we rediscover the wonders of this versatile plant, we're not just promoting well-being but also paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future.
Check out the latest video from one of our very own Industrial Hemp Plants. This is the third crop we'll be harvesting from this plot, and just one of the projects we're undertaking in our region to help feed, clothe, medicate and house our beautiful Community.
Bright blessings for vibrant health, for both you, and our planet.
With love from your Ubuntu Community.
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