Hemp: a super plant

There are so many industrial uses for the hemp plant, it could be argued that it is one of the most versatile and beneficial plants of all time: a super plant.

Its uses and applications range from Food and Drink to Industrial, Farming, and even Beauty.

Here are some of the most amazing and practical uses of the hemp plant:

BIO-REMEDIATION

Industrial hemp plants can be used to clean soil. They can remove chemicals and toxins including metals, pesticides, solvents, explosives, crude oil, and even radioactive elements from soil and water.

BIOFUEL

Once the plants remove the toxins and pollutants from the soil and water, it is possible to use the plant matter in producing biofuels (primarily ethanol). This way, the pollutants are completely removed and destroyed once the crop cycle is completed.

CONSTRUCTION : HEMPCRETE

One of the most innovative uses of hemp is the application in the building industry. Homes can be built from hempcrete (see pic. below) which provides improved insulation, reducing the home's energy use by 50-70%. The product also continuously absorbs CO2, which means it reduces your carbon footprint over time.

PLASTICS

Hemp-based plastics are far more durable and sustainable than conventional plastics. Hemp plastics could even be used to make cars! The only problem is that the farming of hemp is under such regulation that the costs are prohibitive.

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

In 1941, Henry Ford built a car out of hemp, which also ran on a hemp-based fuel. The hemp plastic that was used to make the car was tested and shown to be stronger than steel.

Sounds impossible right?

In Florida, a new car was developed based on Henry Ford's original design, called the Renew Sports Car (shown below!). The design is shown to be 4.7X greener than a modern electric car.

PAPER AND FABRIC PRODUCTS

Hemp fiber is literally the perfect material for products like towels, clothing, paper, bed sheets, and blankets. Its naturally mildew resistant, and the fibers actually soften with age.

Also! If hemp fiber is used for paper instead of trees, we could help fight deforestation in a big way. 1 acre of hemp can produce the same amount of paper as 4-10 acres of trees can over the course of a 20 year cycle. This is partially due to the faster growth rate of hemp compared to trees.

Hemp paper also requires less processing and chemicals than tree paper, due to the higher cellulose content in hemp. Hemp paper also won't yellow or deteriorate over time.

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