Hemp - The Smart Alternative

[420]

When taking a closer look at the numerous uses of hemp—nature's strongest, most durable plant fibre—it is a surprise this environmentally friendly fiber isn't utilised on a more commercial basis.

As a society that now openly embraces the realism of environmental consequence, green campaigns are popping up everywhere we look. Is it possible the use of hemp could play a part in saving our planet?

Colin Buckler of G.R.E.E.N Hemp believes so. Mr Buckler became involved with the hemp industry after seeing "how cotton growing practices destroyed valuable rich land". G.R.E.E.N Hemp, which stands for Global Revival of Environmental Economic Nations, has been producing hemp products in Australia since the late 1980s.

"We at G.R.E.E.N support a global hemp industry and encourage hemp from all countries," Mr Buckler said.

Hemp has a very long agricultural history having been used for textiles, paper, building materials, food, skincare, and medicine for over 6000 years. Until the year 1883 hemp was the source for 75 – 90 percent of all paper production. Hemp paper is acid free, meaning it will not turn yellow and has a life span of 1500 years, comparatively longer to paper made from wood pulp which lasts around 75 years. Overall the savings made on environmental waste in using hemp fibre rather than wood pulp paper is astounding. Bleaching hemp paper requires an environmentally safe hydrogen peroxide instead of the chlorine bleach used for wood pulp paper which causes large amounts of toxic waste that is dumped into rivers. There is no need to use any insecticides or pesticides on it since it is disease resistant. In the production of paper and other materials, like canvas and clothing, it is the hemp stalk that is used which contains no psychoactive elements.

Although hemp has numerous environmental advantages, it is still considered an alternative resource rather than part of mainstream consumerism.

Mr Buckler says that it is due to lack of industry in Australia and need for more education about hemp.

"There's still an enormous stigma connected to hemp in many different facets of our community," Mr Buckler said.

"I have been contacted by some schools who cannot download info about industrial hemp as school computers have 'hemp' listed as a blocked subject, so everything is blocked out...connecting industrial hemp with the THC drug variety."

Hemp is a relative of the narcotic plant Cannabis Sativa. It is legally grown in only four states in Australia and under government regulation.

When we take a look into the past it is ironic to observe it was at times illegal not to grow hemp! In 1535 Henry VIII passes a law that required all farmers to produce 1/4 of hemp for every sixty acres of cultivated land or else face a fine. During this period hemp was a massive contributor to the textile, food, and building industries.

The uses of this plant do not stop at its plants fibres, the seeds are also very useful. Hemp seed oil is used to produce hemp enriched shampoo, conditioner, hand & body lotion, bath and massage oil, moisturizing cream, salve and lip balms. It has been known to also help relieve acne, minor abrasions, and eczema.

As more and more consumers become environmentally conscious and seek out eco-friendly products, it is good to know that hemp provides an excellent alternative in helping preserve our natural resources. The diversity of its uses, along with being biodegradable, makes it only a matter of time before this valuable plant carves a bigger niche in the market for itself.

Epoch Times | Hemp—the Smart Alternative

[420]

we really need to get more people on the hemp wagon...
most people still don't even understand what it is or what it can do...
all they want to know is, "can you smoke it?"
yet one more reason why our only focus is creating Cannabis awareness.