How hemp can make a transformation on your wardrobe and the planet
About 62% of the fibers used in the fashion industry are derived from synthetic materials which are detrimental to the environment. Here's how you can minimize the environmental impact of your shopping habits!
Consider exploring materials like hemp, which can help reduce pollution, minimize microplastic pollution, extend the life of your clothing, and reduce the overall impact your shopping has on the environment!
While there are some concerns regarding the use of hemp, it remains a versatile and environmentally friendly plant from which hemp fibers are derived. These are often blended with other natural fibers like organic cotton or synthetic fibers like polyester to create fabric. These blends are labeled as “viscose". Hemp fabric is not only durable but also biodegradable, unlike synthetic fabric.
Here are a couple of examples of brands that use hemp in their apparel wear.
Toad&Co is a clothing brand that uses hemp to make their clothes. Their products are moisture-wicking and antimicrobial. The moisture-wicking characteristics of hemp help keep its wearer free of sweat. This function is particularly useful for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and anybody searching for comfortable apparel in hot or humid weather. Moreover, hemp’s inherent antibacterial characteristics can aid in the prevention of odor-causing bacteria growth, decreasing the need for regular washing. This not only saves water and energy but also increases the lifespan of the garments.
Tentree also utilizes hemp in the production of their clothing. Furthermore, they demonstrate a steadfast commitment to responsible material sourcing. On their website, customers can access comprehensive information about their supply chain, which includes details about their manufacturing partners, factories, and the countries from which they procure their materials.
So, next time you're strolling through the mall on a shopping spree, peek at those clothing labels and watch for details about the fabric content! It's a good idea to steer clear of those with lots of synthetic materials and opt for organic fabrics like hemp.
Innovative AI tools and technologies to better understand climate change
Global warming can be difficult to follow. For example, what do the CO2 parts per million (PPM) tell us about the health of our planet? As climate change ravages over countries and regions, the world is relying more on technology to better understand how our ecosystem is changing.
Below you will find some of the many innovative and interactive technologies being used in the world of sustainability to better visualize and educate on climate change.
Founded in 2020, Climate TRACE is a global non-profit organization that makes it possible to view global greenhouse gas emissions in real time using AI and machine learning technology. The data, composed of information from satellites and ground-based sensors, gives its users a powerful idea of which countries have the highest level of emissions and also which human and industrial activities are producing the most pollution.
En-ROADS, which stands for “Energy-Rapid Overview and Decision-Support,” is a simulation tool that allows you to explore different climate scenarios based on a variety of factors such as changes in taxes, subsidies, economic growth, energy efficiency, technological innovation, carbon pricing, fuel mix.
As part of the Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network, this project uses forecasts and large data sets to provide real-time visualization maps showing chemical, particulate, air, and ocean qualities. This can highlight more clearly which areas around the world are affected by which specific problems.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Interactive Atlas
This is an excellent tool for climate scenarios, using a variety of forecast and historical datasets to inform users about the varying consequences of changes in temperatures. You can explore the difference of a world with a +1.5℃ increase all the way up to a +4℃ rise.