We briefly mentioned that hemp is a wonder crop, and now we’ll get into the weeds (no pun intended). Let’s start with the root! When hemp is cultivated its roots detoxify, enrich and restore the soil through bio-accumulation and phytoremediation. In other words, hemp’s roots draw out heavy metals and toxins, absorb carbon dioxide, and return significant amounts of nutrients. This prevents soil pollution and keeps our land healthier for longer periods of time. In fact, hemp was even planted at Chernobyl with hopes to remedy the polluted soil and water.

[On the other hand, cotton and many other crops extract water and nutrients without replenishment, which harms, pollutes and deteriorates the soil]

Compared to cotton, hemp needs just one third of the amount of water to grow. In turn, one acre of hemp produces three times the amount of fiber as one acre of cotton. Hemp is also naturally resistant to pests and mold, so it doesn’t require the use of pesticides or herbicides. Hemp is also able to grow in different soils, climates and in small spaces, opening up the potential for farmers all over the world to cultivate hemp.

When processed, hemp creates bio-products that provide greener alternatives to traditionally unsustainable products. One of the biggest game changers is hemp bioplastic - a 100% biodegradable plastic alternative that degrades within 10 days of discarding it.

Hemp can also be made into paper and wood, which presents a sustainable alternative to the troublesome timber industry that can prevent deforestation. There’s also “hempoline”, or hemp bio-fuel, that can replace petroleum gasoline, as well as “hempcrete”, a replacement for conventional concrete.

We’re sure by now you’ve heard of (and likely tried) a CBD product. Can you guess where CBD comes from? Yep, it’s hemp! Lastly hemp can be made into a variety of textiles, which presents a sustainable alternative to fast fashion and can help alleviate many negative impacts of the textile industry.