One of the questions that often comes up in regards to hemp vs. cotton is which is better for the environment.
Hemp and cotton are both great for the planet, but there are stark differences between them. Both hemp and cotton produce fewer harmful toxins than traditional cotton farming, yet they also use a lot of water and energy to grow. It can be tough to decide which crop is best for the environment, but we’ve put together a guide to help you make the decision you need to make!
Hemp vs. Cotton: Which is better for the environment?
Hemp is a type of cannabis that is used for clothing and other products.
Cotton, on the other hand, is a type of fiber that is used in making clothes and other products. So, which is better for the environment?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including the amount of hemp used in each product and how it's grown.
For clothing, hemp is often used in lower quantities than cotton, meaning it has a higher environmental impact. Hemp can also be easily cultivated with a minimal amount of care and fertilizer. It also inhibits the growth of competing weeds as well as prevents pests and the use of heavy herbicides.
On the other hand, cotton can be difficult to environmentally manage and produces more harmful toxins than hemp. It requires a lot of care and attention to grow properly. The harvesting of cotton also entails the usage of various harmful chemicals and methods.
This means that hemp may be better suited for cultivation and the environment, whereas cultivating cotton may not.
Why is Hemp better than Cotton?
- Hemp uses much less water and land for cultivation.
While cotton uses approximately four times more and twice the amount of land for production of two pounds of produce, hemp can be grown easily on a smaller patch of land and with less water for more yield than cotton.
- Hemp nourishes the soil it was grown on.
While the stalks of the hemp plants are used as fibers, the left over leaves and hurds after the harvest can be again used as a fertilizer, making it easier to be a rotational crop.
- Hemp barely needs any pesticide to grow.
While cotton requires a lot of harmful pesticides to grow, hemp, on the other hand, is naturally immune to most of the pests, insects, and diseases. Hence, environmentally, hemp is a safer crop to grow than cotton.
- Hemp is more stronger and durable than cotton.
Hemp produces premium quality breathable fabric which acts both as a moisture absorbent and antibacterial in nature. It also has the qualities to provide UV protection and uses very less chemicals to be produced than cotton.
Hemp vs. Cotton: Which is the Right Choice for You.
When it comes to the environment, choosing the right fabric is not a difficult question to answer. Hemp is a plant that can be used for clothing, paper, and other products, while cotton is the plant that is typically grown for its seeds.
Even though cotton has been used to produce fabrics for more than 7000 years, it has also caused a great deal of environmental degradation on every level.
While both plants have their benefits and drawbacks, it’s clear which one would be better suited for certain applications.
However, each person has different needs and preferences when it comes to the environment. So before making your final decision, take some time to get to know your plants and figure out what might be best for you.
Conclusion
Choosing between hemp and cotton can be a difficult decision, as there are many pros and cons to consider.
Both the plants have different benefits that could be worth considering before making a decision. The environmental impact of producing cotton is significant, due to the amount of water and fertilizer required to grow it. Hemp does not require any of these resources, which results in a more sustainable product.
Hemp has anti-inflammatory properties and can sometimes help in reducing inflammation in the body.
While hemp can improve air quality, cotton manufacturing usually generates large amounts of nitrogen oxide (a pollutant), which can contribute to respiratory problems and other health concerns. Hemp does not produce this type of pollution, potentially creating healthier air conditions for workers and residents near mills.
So, in the end, you have to decide which fabric is better for you- one that is created by using gallons of water, and chemicals or the one that is environmental friendly.
Choose wisely!