11 Aug 2009

Happy with hemp.

Industrial hemp is one of the fastest growing biomasses known, producing up to 25 tonnes of dry matter per hectare per year, and one of the earliest domesticated plants known. As such it is a fabulously good crop to grow for it's fibre content which can be used to make textiles, biodegradable plastics and construction. Sadly due to the fact industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L. subsp. sativa var. sativa) is a member of the Cannabis genus, in the UK it was illegal to grow the crop, because of a ban imposed in 1971 under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Campaigners argued that although industrial hemp was a variety of the cannabis plant, it could be grown as a legitimate crop as it contained practically no tetrahydrocannabinol, the property that gives marijuana (a different strain of cannabis) its potent effect. Thankfully this ban was finally overturned in 1993 and now industrial hemp is becoming a more common crop in the UK. It is often said that industrial hemp has 25,000 natural uses, so lets have a look at how some people have used it.

Neckghetti has used a hemp/cotton mix jersey fabric to create these beautiful spaghetti string neck scarf.

Mingus has used 100% hemp fabric printed with dear to make this pretty zip purse

Hemp oil has been used by Dandy Body Care to make these nourishing soap bars.

Hand dyed and woven hemp fabric is used by Llynfi to create gorgeous clothes like this dress.

Crescent Moon Creations use of hemp yarn combined with handmade fimo clay beads creates these beautiful anklet.

Hemp has so many uses and grows fast without the use of loads of pesticides. It really is a fantastic crop that farmers should be encouraged to grow. Do a search online for all the things Hemp can be used in and I swear you will be amazed.

No comments:

Post a Comment

  © Free Blogger Templates Columnus by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP