With the rise of global warming, it has become essential for us to switch to something that is natural, eco-friendly and sustainable. This time of the generation is very crucial as our planet is in a severe condition and needs our attention. Our natural resources are becoming scarce, and there’s no alternative to those resources that are coming to an end with the excess misuse done by a lot of us for no reason. The hemp industry is the one that can make a major shift in the fashion industry. There is an alternative to the fashion industry that can be turned into a sustainable one. Clothing
that are available in nature or require less water; require lesser time, and landmass is there in and around us; HEMP CLOTHING!
Despite being one of the rumoured and most controversial crop, Hemp is one of the most suitable crops for fabrics, and Hemp fabric has started making its mark in the fashion industry gradually. Not many people know of it, but that doesn’t devalue its qualities of being an excellent option in the fashion industry. Hemp attracts no pests and so doesn’t require pesticides. It grows wildly and requires very little water compared to any other plant used for fabrics. The plants of Hemp grows tall, and its stalk can be used for different industrial purposes. The plant matures in approximately three to four months. The plants of Hemp are cut 2 cm above the soil, and then it is laid to dry for about three full four days. However, Hemp is defenceless to some microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and the like organisms. They might lead to hampering the quality of the fibre, but it barely affects Hemp. Therefore Hemp is not dependent on pesticides for its protection.
History of Hemp.
The cultivation of the first hemp plant dates back to over 9000 years. Discovered first in an ancient village in Taiwan, Hemp is believed to be one of the first plants ever cultivated by human beings be its use as Hemp Paper for writing purpose. Humans developed agricultural practices that changed human history as a result of Hemp. Considered by many to be the father of Chinese medicine, Emperor Shen Yang first reported the use of Hemp and cannabis around 2700 BC. Shen Yang authored one of the first medical texts that referenced cannabis. As the plant’s status gushed in China, cannabis began to drift into India and beyond. In the ancient Indian manuscript, the Ayurveda, Hemp is listed as a sanctified and divine plant.
The Romans discovered Hemp in many areas they subjugated through military campaigns around North Africa, Europe, and Asia Minor. Marijuana and Hemp are from the same family, and as a result, along with marijuana, Hemp has been in controversy and was banned. But Hemp contains less than 0.3% of THC and does not produce the same effect as marijuana. The USA, a major user of hemp products, banned Hemp in the 1930s, apparently due to pressure from big industrialists. But recently, the Uttarakhand government took a vital step in the correct course by legalizing the permitted cultivation of low-THC Hemp in 2016. Since then, Madhya Pradesh, too, has considered doing so. In 2019, the Union Government allowed research and development in Uttar Pradesh too.
Below are a few benefits of hemp clothing:
1. Hemp reduces the carbon footprint in the environment.
2. Hemp Clothing is highly durable in nature.
3. It is one of the strongest natural fibres.
4. It requires very less water to grow compared to other fabric plants.
5. It has antibacterial, anti-fungal properties that make it skin-friendly and good for any skin type.
6. Hemp protects us from ultraviolet rays that are harmful to our skin and health, resulting in reducing skin cancer.
7. Hemp is sustainable and softens when washed, making it worth every penny.
8. Hemp is lightweight and absorbent. It absorbs sweat and is breathable and hence very comfortable for summers especially.
9. Hemp fabric Clothing doesn’t crease effortlessly. Since the fall of the fabric is good, it can be used for any kind of outfits; casual, formal or festive.
10. Since Hemp has breathable properties, one wouldn’t have a body odour on wearing hemp fabric.
11. Hemp has water resistance capacity; hence you don’t tend to get drenched easily if you come in contact with water while wearing hemp fabric.
12. It is available in natural colours, making it funky!
13. Hemp can be recycled. So wearing a fabric can also help you contribute to the planet at large.
14. Hemp grows in moist soil and doesn’t degrade the quality of the soil where it grows. This makes soil love the hemp plant.
