Hemp clothing is generally considered to be a more sustainable and eco-friendly option than many other types of clothing. First and foremost, hemp is a highly sustainable crop that requires very little water, pesticides, or herbicides to grow. It is also naturally resistant to pests and diseases, which means that it can be grown without the use of harmful chemicals.
In addition to its sustainable growing practices, hemp is also a highly durable and long-lasting material. Clothing made from hemp fibers is strong, resistant to abrasion, and holds its shape well over time. This means that hemp clothing is less likely to wear out quickly and need to be replaced, reducing its overall environmental impact.
A huge plus of hemp clothing is that it is biodegradable. The natural fibers made from the stems of the hemp plant decompose naturally in soil, water, or compost. Hemp fibers break down naturally, leaving no harmful residues. The length of time it takes for hemp fabric to biodegrade can vary depending on several factors, including the conditions in which it is disposed of and the specific properties of the fabric itself. In general, hemp fabric is biodegradable and will break down over time in the right conditions. It will typically take anywhere from a few months to a few years to biodegrade in a composting environment.
Many types of clothing are not biodegradable and can take years or even centuries to break down in a landfill. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, are not biodegradable because they are made from plastic fibers that do not break down easily. These fabrics are often used in clothing because they are durable, inexpensive, and easy to care for, but they have a significant environmental impact because they do not decompose naturally. They can take hundreds of years to decompose and release harmful microplastics into the environment.
When choosing clothing, it is important to consider the entire lifecycle of the garment, from production to disposal, to make the most environmentally responsible choices. By choosing hemp clothing, you can reduce your environmental impact and promote sustainable fashion.
Check out Effort’s Eco-Essentials for men’s and women’s hemp fashions.