The Truth About Hemp Textiles

So I wanted to step away from just CBD today and talk a little bit about hemp. 

Did you know that one of the oldest known textiles in history is hemp? We can trace hemp back 8,000 years to Egyptian tombs… If that seems crazy, what is even crazier is that some of those 8,000 year old garments and fabrics are still preserved. I wish my clothes would last 8,000 years (but with 3 boys, making it 12 months is a miracle). 

Ok, so you’re thinking, “so what, hemp lasts a long time? Thats it?”... nope, that’s not it. Here are a few facts about hemp that might get you thinking about making a change from traditional fabrics and hopefully away from synthetic fabrics.

1. Hemp is porous and breathes incredibly well. This means that it can help keep you cool in warm weather and warmer in cool weather. 
2. Hemp fabric is naturally mildew resistant. 
3. Hemp fiber is stronger and more durable than cotton. The strongest rope on earth was made from hemp. 
4. Cotton is water intensive. Hemp uses 50% less water than cotton to grow. 
5. Cotton is responsible for 25% of world’s pesticide usage. Hemp literally requires zero pesticides to grow and thrive. 
6. Unlike Synthetic fibers, there is no pollution necessary to process and manufacture hemp textiles. 
7. After manufacturing, hemp doesn’t shed micro-plastics into our water systems and oceans. 
8. Hemp can be used to make a variety of products, from socks, to backpacks, to rugs and even furniture. 

These are only a few points that show how much better for you and better for the earth hemp fabrics can be over traditional textiles.

You can pick up one of these stunning rugs from @homestoriesny. It looks as though they have closed their brick and mortar but you can still find them online.

I found these incredible vintage Hemp Kilim Rugs that are located, patched and revitalized by Private 0204 and had to share them. These rugs were loomed in the 50’s and 60’s and are given a new lease on life. Not only are they eco-friendly, they are absolutely beautiful. 

As we continue to develop, exploit and exhaust the Earth’s resources, these are some things we should take the time to think about. I know the idea of a magic bullet to solve the world’s pollution and exploitation issues isn’t logical and I am by no means insinuating that a handful of people changing their underwear is going to save the planet. But I do believe that if we all work just a little bit on doing our part to avoid excessive waste and ecological destruction that maybe this beautiful planet will last a little longer for future generations to enjoy.