Hemp Fiber - A Natural Solution 

Hemp fiber is finally making it's way into the fashion industry once again for reasons too great to ignore. For centuries, this highly versatile plant dominated the world of goods and now, after decades of controversy, consumers are renewing it's endless potential. With the ongoing threat of global warming, our very existence depends greatly on the measures we take as a nation.

The fabric industry is a major contributor to the world's pollution. The staggering amount of pesticides and insecticides used in cotton fields alone are enough to cause serious damage to humans and wildlife.

Millions of workers, including children are exposed to these toxics on a daily basis. These chemicals also wreak havoc in wildlife habitats and disturbs the balance of life for all of us. If you can't live without your comfortable tee-shirt, then buying certified organic cotton is the way to go.

Some synthetic fibers are also culprits of the green house effect. For example, nylon is a by-product of crude oil. As versatile as this goop seems, it does more harm than good. Burning it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere causing global warming and when oil spills occur, it leaves a path of destruction for precious eco-systems. Eventually, the petroleum well will dry up causing yet another crisis.

Fortunately, we have the means to curb the effects of harmful chemicals by creating and using products which are made sustainable and renewable sources which are gentle to humans, animals and the environment.

Hemp fibers are much like cotton fibers, however, are three times stronger. It is so absorbent that it may be used safely in diapers for infants and adults.

Hemp is also a much heartier plant and has many useful properties for the textile industry. The fibers are naturally resistent to mold, mildew and other forms of rot. Also, it barely succumbs to ultra violet light as most other fibers would.

Hemp fibers, although not as soft as cotton, can be used alone or blended with other natural fibers for a superior finished product.

Products made from hemp are durable, long lasting and absorbs dye more easily than other fibers. Hemp has a porous nature, which makes it cool to wear during warmer weather. It is also a good insulator during winter months. Items made from hemp do not stretch out of shape like many other natural fibers.

Hemp fibers are very versatile, as they provide superior durability and are usable in a variety of products such as clothing, shoes, jewelry, home furnishing, paper and crafts to name a few. In all truthfulness, hemp has endured a bad name for the sake of politics, with many of it's attributes hidden away from the public eye.

The hemp plant is extremely sustainable as it grows to maturation in 110 days or less. It needs no harsh chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides and fungicides to flourish. It is also capable of producing more pulp per acre of ground compared to that of the timber industry. An acre of hemp also absorbs 5 times more carbon dioxide than an acre of forest.

Continuing to live on a status quo basis and without the use of hemp products serves as a great injustice to our world today. Hemp is safely usable and would help encourage the growth of many wood products which is continually being depleted.

Gone are the days when hemp fabrics were rough and canvas like. With new advances in the breeding of such plants, as well as the processes that it must go through to create a softer fiber for weaving, hemp is sizing up as fashion contender.