Article by Adrian Bond

‘Cannabis sativa’ or ‘hemp’ as we know it, can be found in over 30,000 everyday consumer and eco-friendly products. The Latin origins of its name is ‘useful hemp’, which is shown through it’s true versatility. From food to fuel, paper and body care; hemp has the potential to provide an environmentally and economically sustainable alternative to less viable materials used in mainstream produce.

Hemp as a Food:

The versatility and nutritional value of hemp seeds are commonly misunderstood. Most fail to differentiate between the hemp and marijuana plants. Whilst derived from the same plant species, hemp seeds are completely harmless and are instead of great benefit and versatility; able to be ground up into baking flour or processed into a perfectly safe and highly nutritious oil.No other seed provides a more complete source of protein on earth. In fact, the hemp seed contains 36% protein. Of this protein, 65% is Edestin; a globular protein found only in the hemp seed. To top it all off, hemp’s protein contains all 22 amino-acids, two of which cannot be produced solely by the body, and eight that are considered to be essential to our health.The oil extracted from hemp seeds contains a perfect 3:1 ratio of the fatty acids Omega-6 and Omega-3. The balance between the two provides a perfect source, vital for regulating our metabolic speed, fuelling the brain, repairing muscle tissue and aiding the healthy absorption of nutrients in our bodies.For further information on hemps nutritional benefits, read my article on the Nutritional Benefits of Hemp.

Hemp as a Fuel:

You may have noticed the increased prevalence of ‘E10′ or ’10% ethanol’ fuel made available as an alternative to regular petrol to fill up your car. Whilst the economic benefits to your wallet are obvious, it is important to understand exactly what ethanol is, and just how beneficial it really is for the future of the environment.Ethanol is naturally derived from plant cellulose – the body of plant material. It is combustible, meaning the energy it releases when burnt can be utilised as fuel for our cars. How it differs from regular fuel, such as gasoline or petroleum is simple: when energy is released, the carbon dioxide and water vapour released is environmentally harmless in comparison to the release of carbon monoxide and greenhouse gas from these other fuels. Processes of photosynthesis, whereby the CO2 released is re-absorbed by plants to create more cellulose and breathable oxygen, mean that the use of ethanol fuel is environmentally sustainable.Hemp is just one more source of plant cellulose and therefore, ethanol and fuel that is available. By cultivating hemp for the use of extracting ethanol, we are one step closer to realising a safer, cheaper and more environmentally friendly renewable source of fuel that will have great benefits when it comes to the future of our environment and the threats posed by climate change.

Hemp as Paper:

The first paper ever believed to have been used was made from hemp. There is even evidence to show that scraps of paper, fossilised within the walls of the Great Wall of China (built between 220 – 206BC!) were made from hemp. In more recent times, historical documents such as the US Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were drafted on hemp paper. There is nothing new or revolutionary about hemp paper, which begs the question why it is not widely utilised as an alternative to logging that occurs to create paper in modern society.One hectare of hemp can produce the equivalent amount of paper as four acres of trees. Hemp can also be recycled up to seven times over, almost double the capacity of ‘regular’ tree paper. Hemp’s use as paper is not only more efficient in the amount of material required to make it, but the cultivation process from seed to manufacturing is approximately 100 days, compared to the 20 years it can take for a tree plantation to reach maturity.Hemp paper can be produced free of chemicals and requires relatively small amounts of energy to produce. In comparison, ‘regular’ paper contains up to 20,000 man-made chemicals, and the harms of tree cultivation for paper include the destruction of natural animal habitats and greater use of environmentally harmful fuels.

Hemp for Body Care:

Hemp’s benefits to our health are not restricted to the internal workings of our bodies. In fact, the fatty acids previously mentioned assist our bodies to maintain vital bodily processes from the outside as well, and are a safe, natural and organic option for skin replenishment and moisturising.

Other Important Uses of Hemp Include:• Clothing• Rope• Canvas• Paints• Fiberboard• Shoes• Cement Blocks• Toilet Paper• Biodegradable Plastics

Hemp’s versatility and environmental benefits are hard to ignore. The many uses of this natural product provide a source of fuel for humans and their creations, as well as a healthy substitute for paper and an ideal food. The strength of the hemp fibre and value of its oils are just two features that make it an ideal material for a broad range of uses. Whilst its role in society dates back hundreds of years, there is little doubt that this seed will play a much greater role in a future reliant upon minimising environmental harm and promoting sustainability and health for centuries to come.