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On this World Environment Day 2024 we wish to focus on sustainable solutions that can help in the health of our environment. Did you know about the many benefits of hemp?
Hemp is one of the most versatile and sustainable crops around. It is proven to have low environmental impact and the many uses of this crop include textiles, fuel, construction and much more.
In this article we explore the many positive applications of the environmentally-friendly hemp crop, and contrast these to the detrimental effects of other conventional crops like cotton. Here we put our favourite plant under the spotlight!
WHY HEMP?
The sustainable nature of the hemp plant begins with its growth as a crop. This is a tough plant that does not need much water to grow.
Better yet it does not need chemical pesticides or fertilisers and grows very fast. It yields high amounts of fibre per acre when compared to crops such as cotton.
This means that hemp is ideal for use in sustainable farming systems and exactly what we need to hear on World Environment Day 2024.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF HEMP
Here are some of the reasons why the world should choose hemp as their crop of choice:
CARBON SEQUESTRATION
Hemp is very effective in carbon sequestration – the process of absorbing and storing carbon dioxide – it absorbs more CO2 per acre than most forest or agricultural crop. This makes it a good friend to the environment in the fight against climate change.
SOIL HEALTH
Hemp roots are also particularly helpful as the roots of this plant will break up the soil which helps to increase soil aeration and prevent erosion of the soil. The growth process of hemp results in the creation of organic matter which is responsible for providing nutrients to the soil.
WATER CONSERVATION
Hemp is known to use considerably less water than cotton. This is vital for regions that experience drought and water is a precious resource.
PESTICIDE REDUCTION
Hemp does not require the use of chemical pesticides as it is naturally resistant to pests. But how? Well, hemp produces cannabinoids and terpenes naturally and these repel pests as they are unpalatable or poisonous to them.
The plant’s dense structure and the tough fibre make it difficult for pests to penetrate and lay eggs on the plant. Hemp grows very fast and covers a large area which suppresses weed growth, reducing habitat for pests.
Finally, the organic compounds present in the oils and terpenes act as natural insecticides.
HEMP APPLICATIONS
Hemp’s use spans multiple industries, demonstrating its environmental and economic impact in a variety of ways. Let’s take a look at a few:
TEXTILES
Hemp fibre is used to create a wearable fabric that takes less water to produce and wears longer than cotton, yet it is comfortable to wear.
BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS
Hemp can be used for the production of biodegradable plastics which are safer to the environment when compared to synthetic ones.
SUPPLEMENTS
Hemp is the source of CBD Oil and all other CBD products which are popular food supplements today. Used for many different reasons the cannabinoid content of the hemp plant makes it an excellent source of natural wellness for women and men.
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
The new building material known as hempcrete is created by mixing hemp and lime; it is a lightweight, eco-friendly, biodegradable, durable material that is ideal for construction because it offers good thermal performance and controls moisture.
BIOFUEL
Hemp seeds and stalks can be turned into bio-fuels which are less hazardous to the environment when compared to conventional fuels.
COMPARISON TO OTHER CROPS
While crops such as cotton are still being grown across the globe, they require large amounts of water and are often grown using chemical fertilizers and pesticides that harm the environment.
HEMP AS A SUSTAINABLE RAW MATERIAL: THE EVIDENCE
One 2022 research study offers a detailed comparison of the prospect of using hemp as a sustainable raw material in different industries thanks to its unique characteristics.
Here we to compare the benefits of the hemp crop when compared to conventional crops like cotton.
ENVIRONMENTAL & AGRICULTURAL ADVANTAGES
Hemp can be grown even on less fertile soils and with minimal use of fertilizers and pesticides which makes it a better option all round.
This attribute correlates with the world trend of minimising the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides that cause harm to the environment and food chain.
CARBON SEQUESTRATION & SOIL HEALTH
The hemp plant can store large amounts of carbon, making it a carbon-negative crop. This attribute is vital when it comes to the fight against climate change.
On top of this, the plant acts as a natural agent to clean the soil through a process known as phytoremediation. This fact plus its prevention of soil erosion differs greatly from the negative impact of cotton farming that often degrades the soil.
ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY
In terms of its financial returns, the cultivation of hemp is quite rewarding owing to the high production rate as well as low production costs.
This study also points to the fact that cultivation of hemp is more economical than that of cotton because the former requires less water, pesticides, and herbicides. Such efficiency may expand the use of hemp in industries that prominently use cotton.
COTTON VS HEMP
In the textile industry, hemp fibres are durable and more absorbent than cotton fibres. Hemp is not only sustainable but also has functional properties that are useful in clothing, these include breathability and protection from UV rays.
MORE READING: 5 BEST WAYS TO MANAGE PAIN
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2024: WHAT HAPPENS?
World Environment Day 2024 is a worldwide event that will highlight the protection of the natural environment globally.
This day is celebrated every year on June 5th and acts as a significant platform for encouraging people to adopt greener practices and spread awareness regarding environmental concerns.
World Environment Day 2024 in Ireland will be marked by numerous local and national events planned by environmental organizations, schools, and communities. The theme this year is ‘land restoration, desertification and drought resilience’ (UN Environment Programme).
These events include tree planting activities, educational workshops, beach clean-ups and other activities aimed at encouraging people and communities to protect the environment.
Internationally, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) facilitates events that bring together leaders, environmentalists, and societies to take action.
These events not only raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation but also encourage people and communities across the globe to embrace sustainable living.
So by participating in World Environment Day, you can become a part of a great movement aimed at the preservation of the Earth. Every event, no matter how big or small, contributes to the overall mission and goal of promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness.
CONCLUSION
As the world grapples with environmental issues, perhaps it is time to consider sustainable and multifunctional crops such as hemp to improve the practice of agriculture.
On this World Environment Day, let us raise our voice for the use and acceptance of hemp as it has the capacity to help our planet as well as our largest industries.
REFERENCES
- Ahmed, A T M Faiz et al. (2022) “Hemp as a potential raw material toward a sustainable world: A review.” Heliyon vol.
- Rodale Institute, ‘5 Ways Hemp Can Save the Planet’, (2019), www.rodaleinstitute.org, Accessed 4 June 2024.
- UN Trade & development, ‘Hemp’s versatility and sustainability offer huge opportunities for developing countries (2022) www.unctad.org Accessed 4 June 2024.
- UN Environment Programme, ‘World Environment Day 2024’, (2024), www.unep.org, Accessed 5 June 2024.
