Some of the latest additions to Earth Cycle include Seed It Grow Mats and HempLogz – both of which are manufactured from Hemp. An often misunderstood member of the plant world, Hemp can be an extremely beneficial substance therefore we’ve summarised the history and latest innovations involving Hemp.
Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) is a plant from the Cannabaceae family indigenous to Eastern Asia. Throughout history, it has been cultivated and used for a variety of purposes, such as clothing, fibrous materials and even as an entheogenic medicine dating back as far as 8000BCE. It is believed that Hemp is one of the earliest plants to be cultivated.
The Cannabis Sativa was outlawed in 1966 in the UK due to the psychoactive substance THC that the plant naturally produces. More recently Hemp has come to light because it has a highly beneficial use as an eco-friendly fibre that can be used to replace many types of materials that are detrimental to the environment, such as plastic. The government was urged to lift the ban on Cannabis Sativa in 2016 as long as the psychoactive compound is removed or below 0.2%.
Why should we use Hemp?
Hemp is extremely robust and can be grown in a variety of different climates with little water. It is a densely growing plant meaning it can be grown within a limited space and can quickly overshadow weeds reducing the need for pesticides.
What can it be used for?
As a biodegradable alternative to plastics, Hemp’s cellulose fibres can be used to make basically anything plastic is used for but reduces the CO2 emissions greatly, also reducing the immense pollution of microplastics into the ocean. Did you know Henry Ford had an entire car made out of Hemp?
Using materials such as Hemp and Bamboo to replace plastic on a big scale would benefit the environment greatly. See our Bamboo Seed Tray as an example of an eco-friendly alternative to plastic.
Biofuel
With Bioenergy being the highest growing renewable energy source in the UK, Hemp’s high biomass yield not only competes with traditional forms of bioenergy, but exceeds them with its worthiness to rotate with existing crops or replace them altogether.
Food & Healthcare Products
Hemp has many health benefits when consumed or used in cosmetic products. Hemp seeds alone have omega-3 and 6 which are fatty acids and essential to one’s diet. They are also a good source of vitamin E which helps protect the body against antioxitive stress. Hemp is used to produce various oils for food or supplements, such as CBD oil which when consumed, works well for aches and pains and has even been found to reduce stress and anxiety in some people.
To Sum Up
Hemp is increasingly growing in popularity and we are confident that it’s going to be used as an alternative to many substances more often in the future.
What are your thoughts on Hemp?
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