One of the excellent uses of hemp is that used is for insulation. Hempcrete is a great insulator on its own, but hemp insulation can be used in other ways where hempcrete cannot be used. For example, you can use hemp insulation in place of fiberglass, or even for animal bedding. This is just one of the thousands of ways hemp can be used.
Farm Animal Bedding
Straw bedding is mainly used for insulation so that animals can have a cozy place to rest. Hemp bedding is made from the inside portion of the stalk, known as hurd. Hemp is a more eco friendly choice as hemp is extremely sustainable and requires such little resources to grow. There is also less dust and it is more absorbent than other materials such as straw or wood chips, making it more economical. It is softer and has better insulation properties than other materials commonly used. It can be a great choice if you need animal sanctuary supplies that requires less maintenance.
Home Insulation
Insulation is one of the many hemp construction products you can use. In the construction of a house, hemp can be used as an insulator in place of spray foam or fiberglass. Hemp insulation 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 due to the fact that it is so good at keeping 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, carbon monoxide are just a few hazards that construction workers are exposed to. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, and silicosis is caused by inhalation of silica dust. 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 will 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 fiber 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 commodities we have.
Hemp Fabric
Hemp fabric clothing is one way that you can help reduce your impact on the environment. Hemp fabric is very durable and can be dyed any colour. It requires a fraction of land, water and energy to produce compared to conventional or even organic cotton. It is also naturally resistant to fungus, bugs and pests, therefore the crop doesn’t necessarily need pesticides or fungicides, making ideal for those with sensitive skin.
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 to 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.