15/10/2024

How hemp can contribute to a more sustainable planet.

The multiple uses of hemp (Cannabis ruderalis, known internationally as hemp), a plant that is one of the species of cannabis, can be very important on the path towards a more sustainable planet, meeting the needs of both society and companies with a purpose and the intention of adding value and not just making a profit.

Today, a company is expected to add value to the lives of its employees, the population and the environment. This is why good environmental, social and governance practices are increasingly valued around the world. And the principle of all this is the preservation of the planet.

And how can hemp contribute in this sense? The environmental benefits are countless. From plastics to paper, including fuel and phytoremediation, the plant offers good alternatives for harmony with the environment and the ecosystems that sustain it. Below, I point out aspects in which hemp can be a game changer for making a more sustainable planet.

1. Less pesticides in cultivation

Unlike cotton or flax, which consume about 50% of all agricultural pesticides on the planet, hemp cultivation requires significantly less crop. When pesticides are sprayed on the land, they can easily infiltrate water sources, such as a river, ocean or lake, harming all living beings that depend on them.

In addition, these substances have been linked to cancer, birth defects, ADHD and Alzheimer’s disease. In other words, they pose risks to both the environment and human health. By cultivating hemp, we can significantly reduce our exposure to toxins and pollutants.

2. Restoring soil fertility

Hemp can grow in a wide variety of terrains and soil types, forming deep roots and helping to keep the soil moist, in addition to preventing erosion. The stem and leaves of the plant are rich in nutrients. After harvest, these nutrient residues can be returned to the soil, rejuvenating it for better yields the following year.

3. Biodegradable plastic

The basic building blocks of plastics are petroleum-derived cellulose, a highly toxic element. Hemp, on the other hand, is the largest producer of cellulose on earth, with the advantage of being biodegradable.

4. Phytoremediation

Hemp cultivation is capable of cleaning heavy metals from the soil, carrying out decontamination, through a process called phytoremediation. This practice has even been successfully tested in Chernobyl, the site of the largest nuclear disaster in history. In addition, the plant does not require as much water and agricultural inputs compared to other crops.

5. Renewable biofuel

As with most plant sources, hemp oil can be processed and converted into biofuel, which is less polluting when burned than fossil fuels. And the use is almost complete, because, in addition to the production of biodiesel from the oil present in the seeds and stem of the plant, the fibrous part can also be used to obtain versions that are chemically similar to conventional gasoline.

6. Fabrics without chemical residues

A large part of the synthetic fibers we use today are manufactured from petrochemical materials based on highly toxic polymers. In addition, the production of these materials requires intense energy expenditure, burning large quantities of gas, coal or crude oil. As if this were not enough, the manufacturing process also releases toxic emissions into the atmosphere, while leaving toxic residues inside the fibers.

However, this problem can be avoided with hemp. Its fibers are easily removed from the plant and generate clothing that uses zero chemical residues. In addition, the fabric is more durable and resistant to UV rays.

7. Reduction of carbon in the atmosphere

Hemp has the power to transform the environment by reducing industrial pollution. The plant does this through a process known as carbon capture. In other words, when cultivated, the plant helps to sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Each ton of hemp produced is equivalent to removing 1.63 tons of carbon from the air.

8. Decrease in deforestation

Half a hectare of hemp can produce the same amount of paper as 1.5 to 4 hectares of trees, in a 20-year cycle. While trees take between 20 and 80 years to be ready for paper production, the hemp stalk takes only 4 months to be harvested, from the moment it is sown.

9. Sustainable agricultural practices

Farmers who practice the best techniques know the importance of rotating crops by season. This movement not only keeps the soil rich in nutrients, but also increases yields. Hemp is the ideal plant for crop rotation, as it enriches the soil, in addition to removing toxins. Its cultivation helps to preserve healthier soil and air for years to come.

10. Building stronger, more sustainable homes

The use of the plant can be also extend to civil construction. Hempcrete, a hemp-based concrete, is a non-toxic and mold-resistant material, providing excellent thermal regulation and humidity control in floors, walls and ceilings. In addition, the combination of hemp and lime results in an acoustic insulation system superior to concrete.

11. Grows in any environment

Imagine if there were a crop that could be sown practically anywhere in the world, with low use of agricultural pesticides and, as a bonus, opening up possibilities for 25 thousand industrial applications. This crop is hemp. From China to the United States, hemp can grow in various types of climate, offering high production potential.

12. Combating world hunger

According to the latest United Nations (UN) report on food security, 690 million people worldwide are undernourished.

And how can the plant help? Hemp seeds are a very important nutritional source of complete protein. They also contain all nine essential amino acids and are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Around 80% of their total fats are polyunsaturated, the healthiest type, with good doses of essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). They also provide good concentrations of vitamins E and B complex, as well as phosphorus, potassium and magnesium.

In other words, using hemp as a staple crop can change people’s lives for the better globally, especially considering the large number of individuals who could be fed and well-nourished by this superfood.

Preserving the planet is increasingly a fundamental issue not only for the quality of life of human beings, but also for the survival of future generations. The path towards a more sustainable world is an equation with multiple factors. Hemp is an inseparable part of this process and can play a multipurpose role. All the conditions to explore the benefits are present and leveraging this aspect depends only on us.

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