The environmental benefits that hemp poses to a country like Australia are far-reaching as civilization is under massive pressure to cut down on burning fossil fuels and carbon emissions and come up with good alternatives to drive the populations of the future sustainably. In Australia, one can grow hemp industrially with a licence. It has been legal in the country since 2017. The seeds should be certified, and the leaves should not have more than 1% THC. The outcome of many years of research on these sustainable options has brought forth hemp products in Australia, which come with many advantages.
Helps Decrease Carbon Emissions
One of the biggest challenges the people in Australia face in lowering their carbon footprint would be reducing their carbon emissions. With carbon emission being a direct factor in rising global temperatures and rising sea levels, Australia, surrounded by water on all sides, could see many places and islands being submerged if preventive measures and steps aren’t taken.
Hemp so happens to possess natural properties to capture large amounts of carbon and store it in the plant. This property is common to all plants, but what makes hemp products in Australia stand out is that hemp can do this much faster than most other plants could, thanks to its quick growth rate. This process, termed ‘carbon sequestration’, separates approximately 10-25 tonnes of carbon dioxide for every hectare of hemp plants.
Restores the Fertility of the Soil
Hemp turns out to be a powerhouse for the soil it grows in. Hemp returns up to 70% of the nutrients it consumes to the soil. This not only suggests that it requires fewer fertilizers but also that it avoids contaminating the water and the produce.
Hemp is also used in a process called bioremediation. In this process, the soil is restored after toxic pollution. This process has been gaining popularity among farmers because it can be applied in crop rotation techniques where hemp could be grown to replenish and clear all the toxins from the soil before planting other crops.
Renewable Biofuel Source
A research study from the University of Connecticut discovered that the seeds from industrial hemp could be used to create a sustainable diesel substitute fuel. This research showed that hemp had a 97% conversion rate to biodiesel and checked all the tests. Simultaneously, the remainder of the plant could be used to manufacture methanol and ethanol.
Can be Grown Practically Anywhere
Hemp, unlike most other plants, can be grown in most climatic conditions. This would mean that the benefits of hemp can be spread all across the globe. Hemp is a great source of protein and other essential nutrients and can be a great source of nutrition among the disadvantaged and poorer sections of the global community.
Design Fashionable Clothes That Leave No Chemical Residue
What happens when hemp starts getting processed into fabric? Hemp products in Australia can be produced organically or in an intensive environment. So, while much responsibility falls on the manufacturers, hemp is a sustainable and low-impact crop that could convert fabric through sustainable means, which is a far better option than artificial fibres.
Develop Bio-Plastics Sustainably
Bioplastics offer significant environmental benefits since they are biodegradable and do not produce carbon dioxide from fossil fuels during this process.
Bioplastics are made from the stalk of the plant. The stalk possesses a high amount of cellulose to manufacture plastics and provides great durability and strength as the content is between 65-70% compared to 40% in wood.
Various studies have also shown that hemp bioplastics are five times stiffer and 2.5 times stronger than polypropylene and lighter than fibreglass, making them suitable for construction and transportation industries.
In Conclusion
Various environmental benefits can be obtained from hemp products in Australia to help build a sustainable future. From being a raw material in fashion to being a clean alternative to fossil fuels, the advantages of using hemp products are certainly a lot more than the handful listed in this article.
