Hemp fabric.

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Hemp fabric.

Downsizer Forum Index -> Conservation and Environment

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Lozzie

Joined: 25 May 2005
Posts: 2595

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 05 9:07 am Post subject: Hemp fabric.

Rather than hi-jack the Downsizer Bags thread, I thought I would start a new topic. Never call me inconsiderate!

OK here goes - 'why hemp is so good'. It seems that, because of its versatility and the simplicity with which it can grow almost anywhere, organically, it is a very noteworthy plant!

Many people are worried about poor trade practices employed in the developing world where cotton is produced, not to mention the truly astonishing amount of pesticides that are used on the crop globally every year. So, as an alternative, hemp looks like a good prospect.

It can be used to make anything from t-shirts to nappies to floorcoverings (was someone asking earlier about the most ethical floor covering available? I think it is hemp matting!) to cordage to heavy-duty fabrics.

From the BioRegional website:

"Hemp and flax are traditional fibre crops which can be grown in a wide range of climates including the UK. These low input crops need few chemicals and hemp in particular is easy to grow organically. The fabrics produced are renowned for their durability and ability to "breathe". The original jeans were made from hemp. Hemp and flax can provide an alternative to non-organic cotton, which uses more water, pesticides, weed-killers and artificial fertilisers than any other crop."

https://www.bioregional.com/programme_projects/pap_fibres_prog/hemp%20textiles/hemp_hpg.htm

From the Hemp UK site:

"Hemp is the number one plant for producing clothing, paper, plastics, building materials, food, beverages, cosmetics, methanol fuel and an impressive array of cleaning and paint products."

https://www.hemp.co.uk/

I know that our local Agenda 21 group was also considering getting bags and t-shirts made up with our logo on it, and wanted them made of organic hemp. Also we are thinking of having a banner made to go with out Outreach display boards when we go to events and things. The supplier is trying to source organic hemp material rather than canvas to print on.

Lozzie

Joined: 25 May 2005
Posts: 2595

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 05 9:09 am Post subject:
Oh flippin' 'eck I have posted this in the wrong forum! Is it fixable, o web guru? should I delete the thread and start again?

Bugs

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 10744

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 05 9:10 am Post subject:
Wands can be waved! Where would you like it? Conservation, Does it R Matter, or Make Your Own? Or somewhere else?

Lozzie

Joined: 25 May 2005
Posts: 2595

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 05 9:21 am Post subject:
Conservation, I think. Unless someone else has a better idea? (no cheeky answers, please!! )

Bugs

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 10744

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 05 9:23 am Post subject:
Well, people often tell me I have no idea, so you're safe from me.

bernie-woman

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 7824
Location: shropshire

Posted: Mon Nov 07, 05 9:43 am Post subject:
I saw Woody Harrelson on Jonathan Ross on Friday who was wearing hemp shirt, trousers and shoes and praising the sustainability of hemp - he is a massive environmentalist who lives in an organic farming community in Hawaii Perhaps we ought to see if he is willing to endorse us

dpack

Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 46223
Location: yes

Posted: Thu Dec 29, 05 4:12 pm Post subject:
the emperor has no clothes ,hemp is an ace fibre .

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Thu Dec 29, 05 5:24 pm Post subject:
I know very little about various fibres so would love to hear more from those that know about it. I imagine hemp to be rougher than cotton but is that so? It may need less inputs when it's grown but what about processing the fibres, does that need more chemical and energy input than cotton?