One of the (very few) good things that Trump did while President the last time, was to legalise the growing of hemp, to ‘help American economies’. Before that, it had been illegal to grow in most parts, due to it containing a tiny amount of THC, the chemical that gets people high if they smoke cannabis.
In fact, hemp is a wonderful crop. It grows locally (unlike cotton) and also grows organically, removing heavy metals from the soil, and uses little water.
Then it can be turned into practically everything! It’s great for clothing, shoes and bedding (and the fibres are strong and breathable, so keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. Hemp fibres can also be made into paper (that does not go yellow with age, unlike wood paper), oil (packed with essential fatty acids) and even milk and ice-cream!
Long ago, hemp was the material also used for fishing nets, until plastic took over. And we can see the devastation from ghost fishing waste and by-catch of creatures that can’t escape, since switching.
The World’s First Waterproof Hemp Shoes
8000 Kicks is the world’s first brand of waterproof hemp shoes, made from a naturally organic plant that removes heavy metals from the earth (hemp has no narcotic properties, unlike its cousin cannabis).
These shoes are water and dust proof, to keep your feet dry. Made ethically in Europe and China, the company also makes matching hemp backpacks for travel.
The soles are made from algal blooms (which keeps feet comfy and removes waste), these are ideal for active lifestyles.
The brand was founded by a Portuguese entrepreneur, with help from his grandmother, who had experience in sewing hemp fibres for many years. He realised there was an avenue here to make good quality vegan sneakers.
Hemp & Organic Cotton Casual Clothing
7319 Maison Chanvre is a great sustainable clothing brand, producing beautifully-made hemp and organic t-shirts and other casual basics. Most feature the embroidered 7319 logo in hemp.
All clothing blends two of the most eco-friendly clothing fabrics, so release no microplastics in the washing machine. Organic cotton is better for the planet, wildlife and farmers, and as the fabric is not treated with chemicals, the fibres last longer.
Hemp is an easy to grow fabric that is cool in summer, and warm in winter. It easily grows organically, and can also (unlike cotton) be grown in Europe. Together they make the perfect tee.
Produced in Portugal, these items are suitable for men or women, with a small carbon footprint. Everything is also sent in zero-waste packaging.
