Hemp is among the cleanest plants on earth. At times, it is known as carbon-negative raw material. It is environmentally friendly and does not require pesticides or fertilizer applications. The industrial type is a fast-grower with an annual yield of up to 25 tons per acre.
One vital resource that any person should be proud of is the earth. It collectively constitutes the other natural resources. Therefore, taking care of it for human needs and other organisms is crucial. Using hemp is one effective way of looking after the environment and improving it for the present and future generations.
Hemp in Environmental Sustainability
The question is, why hemp and not any other plant? Hemp comprehensively constitutes the benefits that we could find singly in other plants. Besides, it grows in plenty. It removes considerable amounts of carbon dioxide from the environment as it grows. It accumulates some of it into the ground, which improves soil fertility.
A single acre of land with hemp can accommodate many plants, all of which require carbon dioxide in their growth. Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas that leads to global warming. Therefore, its reduction in the atmosphere cushions and reverses the threat.
The beneficial properties of hemp to the soil fix the land and allow other plants to grow. Not many plants can improve the ground around where they grow. Most of the plants do the reverse, depleting the soil nutrients. However, hemp scores high when it comes to improving the medium. The environmental value of the hemp plant continues beyond growth. It is used to manufacture paper, saving thousands of trees.
Through its use, there is massive potential to maintain and increase the forest cover. Hemp produces a paper that is cleaner for the environment than that from trees. It does not require the chemicals used in conventional paper processing.
Hemp Economic Applications
The use of the plant is traceable to over 12,000 years ago. Today, hemp has many agricultural and industrial benefits which add to economic sustainability.
- Its strong fiber is an ideal alternative in rope making.
- Due to its woody texture, it is used in agriculture as animal bedding and mulch.
- The stalk makes hemp plastic that has similar characteristics to other plastics. The advantage is that it is biodegradable.
- More so, its versatility makes it essential to manufacture construction materials– hempcrete.
- The hemp seed hulls have the potential to develop a sustainable biofuel. It is a step forward in the energy sector. Already, there are hemp batteries that utilize plant fiber.
- Also, its long fibers make elegant textiles.
- It is a popular raw material for paper production.
- Additionally, the plant has excellent nutritional value. Hemp oil has plenty of essential fatty acids.
The hemp plant tops the list of most versatile and environmental-friendly plants globally. None of its parts goes to waste, from the outer stalk to the seed husks. The advantage over other crops is that they can thrive organically in most soil conditions and climates.