Try a Pair of Hemp Socks This Winter

photo by Knit.Spin

If you've never tried hemp clothing before, now is the time to try out this natural fiber. There are so many benefits of choosing hemp fibers over synthetic fibers, and even cotton — benefits for the environment but also for the consumer. Why not buy a pair of warm, breathable hemp socks to keep your feet warm and dry over the winter? A pair of organic, natural socks is a great way to introduce yourself, or someone else, to the benefits of hemp clothing.

Hemp as a Major Textile

Most people think of cotton when they think of natural fibers, but cotton is by far the least eco-friendly fiber. It simply dominates the market. The amount of water alone to grow a field of cotton, let alone the pesticides and chemical fertilizers that are used for non-organic cotton growth, has been devastating farm land around the world for decades. The Environmental Justice Foundation put out a report on the negative effects of growing cotton on the environment and on human health.

Hemp on the other hand is a much hardier plant that does not require the massive water use or the chemical pesticides and fertilizers. It also leaves the soil in an improved condition after use, with more nutrients for the next crop to use. Growing hemp for fibers is not something new. This natural fiber has been grown for clothing and paper for 12,000 years. It is very strong and long-lasting. Your hemp socks are not going to end up with holes in the toes and heels as is often the case after a year or two of washing with cotton and synthetic fibers.

What Are Hemp Socks Like?

Hemp socks are soft and warm. They blend well with other natural fibers such as cotton, flax and bamboo. Not only will they last longer, but they are more resistant to mold than other fibers, making them a great choice for people with sweaty feet. While an ideal warm winter sock, hemp socks are also great in the summer as your skin will stay dry with a breathable, natural fiber. While you can throw your eco-friendly socks in the washer, it is best to keep them out of the dryer. One more clothing item to line dry and save energy with! Try out a pair of hemp socks this winter and see what your feet think.

The Eco Advantages of Reusable Grocery Bags and Where to Find Them

photo by Kat

Its the twenty-first century and it is time for plastic and paper grocery bags to be a thing of the past. Like many products of the twentieth century, from gas-guzzling cars to clothes dryers, they do not make sense in terms of efficiency, expense or the environment. Plastic and paper bags cost stores money, an expense that it inevitably passed on to the consumer. They also have a negative impact on the environment. Why not make the switch to reusable grocery bags? There are so many advantages for the environment, but also for you.

The Facts on Plastic and Paper

Both plastic and paper bags are made from the earth's natural resources — plastic bags are made from oil and paper bags are made from trees. The extraction and manufacturing process of both materials also puts a strain on the environment. After use, what happens to these bags? Some are recycled, but the majority of bags become trash and end up in landfills. From 1 to 3 percent of all plastic bags produced (and hundreds of billions are produced each year) end up as stray bags, jeopardizing marine life, clogging sewer piper and simply polluting, according to the Environmental Literacy Council.

Benefits of Reusable Bags

Switching to reusable grocery bags is a simple way to make this environmental nightmare go away. Many grocery stores now sell reusable bags for one to two dollars. You can also find cute reusable bags online — try Envirosax for washable, designer bags. ChicoBag offers customized reusable grocery bags made from a variety of materials, including their trademarked rePETe fabric, which is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

From the cute and customized to the standard and sturdy, these bags can be used for years, over and over again. Reusable bags are designed to be super strong, able to carry much more weight than a typical plastic or paper bag. They also are easier to carry, with handles that are not going to break.

Using reusable grocery bags just makes sense. For a few dollars you never have to worry about the hassle of using and properly disposing of paper or plastic. Also, you can use reusable grocery bags for, well anything. When you go shopping for clothes, books, hardware supplies, when you need a few things for a road trip, or to bring a bottle of wine to a friend's house, you have a bag to carry whatever you need.