We spend a lot of time indoors, and the Covid-19 pandemic certainly hasn't helped this trend. According to an article in Sole24Ore, in 2018 we spent an average of around 22 hours a day indoors, i.e. in our homes, schools, offices and recreational environments [1].

Of course, if we think about climate change caused, in part, by pollution from the textile industry (we have talked about it here), we might think that it is better to stay indoors or at least in closed rooms, than out in the open. Unfortunately, nothing could be more wrong because the air in our homes is much more polluted than the air outside. The reason: indoor spaces have, in addition to external pollution, also significant internal pollution, given by everything that surrounds an enclosed environment.

Indoor spaces are full of objects, starting with the coat rack, passing through the living and dining room and ending in our bedrooms. Most of these objects have a fabric or at least part of a fabric in their packaging, which in 90% of cases, is a synthetic fabric, i.e. a petroleum derivative chemically processed and spun to create the fabric.

Oil, however, is not a natural fabric, as its resources are limited and non-renewable (at least not in the certain future) and its production requires additional chemical agents to be spun into fabric. Of course, synthetics are very durable and practical (think of one of those super-microfibre sofas where even the permanent marker can't leave a mark!) but this robustness is certainly not given by a natural look, but by a mix of chemicals. Although safe for our health, these fabrics still release a percentage of these toxic substances into the air. The same applies to building materials or renovation, other plastics but also toys for children, and above all also to our skin.

Why should we use hemp fabrics in the home?

Replacing synthetic fabrics with natural ones is a first step towards a healthier and more sustainable home, and hemp fabrics can be an important first step towards this conscious choice. Before prohibition (we have talked about this in detail here), hemp fabrics were present in almost every home, but not only in the form of clothes, but also for bed linen, curtains and bags.

The advantages of using hemp fabric over other natural fabrics (e.g. cotton) are manifold:

    • Hemp is a sustainable resource that can be grown without the use of harmful pesticides or fertilisers and requires much less water than other textile fibres. Hemp has a very short life cycle (it grows on 120 days) and is therefore the eco-friendly plant par excellence. The absence of chemicals in the production of textile hemp has a direct impact on both our health and safety and on the environment.
    • Hemp fibre is resistant to mould and fungus, making it a good option for outdoor furniture and clothing exposed to moisture
  1. Hemp fabric is absorbent and breathable, making it a comfortable choice for clothing (including underwear) and bed linen. Indeed, one of the excellent properties of hemp, as well as other natural fibres such as linen, is that of a thermoregulator, which makes it particularly suitable for pillows and bed linen.
    • Hemp is a strong and durable fibre that becomes softer with each wash. Worn for the first time, hemp may feel a little stiff, but this is a temporary aspect that after a few washes, with an environmentally friendly, low-temperature detergent of course, subsides and the fibre becomes softer. An important aspect, which gives hemp an additional softness, is leaving it to dry in the open air, as hemp fibres are regenerated by the air. In fact, it is often recommended not to over-wash hemp clothes, but rather to let them air dry overnight.
    • Hemp fabrics are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making them a more sustainable choice than synthetic fabrics. Indeed, the use of chemicals in the production of hemp is very limited and therefore the creation but also the disposal of the fabric does not create hazardous waste.
    • Hemp, in general, helps us feel better: it has anti-inflammatory properties, helps reduce pain, prevents the spread of cancer cells, fights bacteria and promotes healthy skin. These are all qualities that make hemp unique and different from other fibres. So not only are hemp garments comfortable to wear, they are also good for our bodies.

Different ways of using hemp fabrics for in- and outdoor environments‍

Sheets and towels

A woven hemp towel can be used to wash the face, hands, body and hair, especially after using cosmetics. In addition, hemp towels have antibacterial properties that help prevent the persistence of unpleasant odours. Bed linen, on the other hand, is not only wear-resistant and very soft, but also has antibacterial and temperature-regulating properties.

Blankets and socks

A hemp blanket can be used as a warm cover on a cold night due to its thermoregulatory property. You can also wrap yourself in a blanket while watching TV or reading a book. Not only are blankets comfortable, they are also durable.

Clothes

There are many ways to incorporate hemp into your clothes. As some people know, hemp clothing is breathable, hypoallergenic, has antimicrobial properties and dries quickly. If you are looking for environmentally friendly clothes, hemp is the way to go. We talked about it here.

Furniture and furnishings

Hemp furniture can be made using a variety of different materials such as wood, plastic, metal and glass. This type of furniture can add beauty to any room and is also environmentally friendly!

‍Carpets

A carpet made from recycled hemp can not only create a beautiful atmosphere, it is also 100% biodegradable. When the material starts to decompose, it produces carbon dioxide and other products that are easily absorbed by the earth.

Household materials

Hemp can be used to build anything. From building materials like plywood to garden supplies like rakes, hemp offers a wide range of uses.

In addition to being very natural and environmentally friendly, hemp textiles are also very durable and beneficial to our skin. Of course, the cost compared to other textiles is still very high compared to other natural textiles such as cotton and linen, but it makes sense to reason and make a long-term purchase.

References and insights:

[1] https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/viviamo-22-ore-giorno-chiuso-e-non-ce-ne-rendiamo-conto-AE4y9HIF

Photo:

[F1]: Cushions, DesignecologistPexels

[F2]: , Lot of fabrics, Pexels

[F3]: Charlotte May, Pexels

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