In this article, I will share what hemp hurd is, why it is an excellent resource and some uses.
Never Heard of Hurd?
Hurd (also known as shiv, short bast fibre, or pulp) is the part of the hemp stalk that is found underneath the layer of hemp fibre surrounding the stalk. The hurd is obtained through a process called decortication. Decortication separates the hurd from the fiber, turning the plant into 2 usable products.
Once the hurd is separated from the fiber, it can be processed further to make it into the desired products.
Hemp is an extremely eco-friendly plant. It uses a fraction of the energy, land and water to grow, harvest and uses hemp versus cutting down trees. It is also a product that resource that easily biodegrades when needed to. Not only that, but hemp has a very long list of uses compared to what wood pulp fibre from trees can be used for.
Hemp Hurd Uses
Farm Animal Bedding
Straw bedding is mainly used for insulation so that animals can have a cozy place to rest. Hemp is an excellent alternative if you are thinking of switching out your four-legged friend’s bedding out. In addition, there is little to no dust being emitted, making it a great choice for those who have sensitive lungs or airways.
Hemp shiv (aka hurd) is softer and has better insulation properties than other materials commonly used for bedding. In addition, it is very lightweight, which means it has more air trapped inside the material, allowing for better insulation.
One of the great properties of hemp is that it is naturally mould-resistant and fungus-resistant, as well as bug-resistant. This helps keep the worry away of constantly checking to make sure the bedding is safe and not too humid.
It can be a great choice if you need animal sanctuary supplies that require less maintenance.
Home Insulation
Home insulation is one of the many hemp-based construction products you can use. For example, hemp can be used as an insulator in place of using spray foam or fibreglass during the construction of a house.
Hemp is a superior insulator and is much safer to handle than other commonly used materials. It also saves energy and is less costly in the long run because it keeps houses cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Construction workers are constantly exposed to harmful substances via inhalation when they are performing their jobs. Asbestos, silica, chalk, and carbon monoxide are just a few hazards to which construction workers become exposed to. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, and the inhalation of silica dust causes silicosis. Choosing a healthier alternative in any part of constructing a house is ideal for everyone, including the workers and those who will inhabit the house in the future.
Paper
Hemp has been used to make paper for thousands of years. Did you know that in 1916, the U.S. government predicted that all paper would be made from hemp by the 1940s? Unfortunately, hemp was banned in 1939 due to fear of profit losses, among other reasons. Hemp pulp is an excellent material to make paper out of. It can be recycled up to 7 times! Hemp matures in as little as 100 days, making it more profitable and sustainable than cutting down trees. It yields 4 times more fibre in one acre than trees, and it does a terrific job of converting CO2 to oxygen. A hectare of hemp absorbs 22 tonnes of CO2 gas, and with 2 crops per year, that’s 44 tonnes of CO2 per year for just ONE hectare! It is the most efficient CO2-to-biomass commodity we have.
Cat Litter
Hurd is a great use for litter as well! It is great at absorbing liquid and keeping smells at bay. I always find it a plus when cat litter is light and easy to bring into the home from the car. It definitely saves your back. Another thing I noticed with it, is that it is dust-free! That is a nice feature because most litter on the market is 99% dust free, but tends to still have lots of dust, in my experience. I found this one on amazon for a pretty decent price for 10lbs. Terrafiber Hemp Cat Litter
In Summary
Hemp is an overall amazing plant that can help us in so many ways. It is an incredibly versatile plant that can replace so many things that are harming our environment. A shift towards green power and energy will be very profitable in terms of industrial hemp crops. It just makes sense! The hemp industry is a lucrative one, and investing in it is a smart choice.
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