Hemp - Eco-friendly resource for parents and children

October 28, 3:15 PMAustin Green Parenting ExaminerLeigh Buehler-Rappold

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Hemp cloth diapers are naturaly anti-microbial
Photo Courtesy of PhotoXpress

Hemp is becoming more and more popular in the green parenting world because of its durability, absorbency (cloth diapering) and it's natural anti-microbial properties.

The plant is able to grow in many different soils and climates and does not deplete the soil. Hemp leaves put nitrogen back into the soil, requiring less fertilizer. Hemp is cultivated for three main uses: fiber, seeds and oil.

Fiber from hemp is used in clothing and is great for absorbency in cloth diapers. The seeds are high in protein and can be found in hemp protein powder. Hemp oil can be used in cooking or made into fuel!

Hemp articles for baby and family can be found at Austin Baby or Tiny Birds in Round Rock.

BabyKicks compiled a list of fun facts about Hemp:

•  Hemp can displace cotton which is grown with massive amounts of chemicals harmful to people and the environment. Fifty percent of the world's pesticides are sprayed on cotton.
• Hemp fibers are longer, stronger, more absorbent and more mildew-resistant than cotton. The original Levi Strauss jeans made for the Sierra gold miners were made of hemp sailcloth.
• At a volume level of 81%, hemp oil is the richest known source of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids (the "good" fats). It is quite high in some essential amino acids, including gamma linoleic acid (GLA), a very rare nutrient also found in mother's milk.
• George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both grew hemp
• Benjamin Franklin owned a mill that made hemp paper
• Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence eon hemp paper