From Sarah Haley
Poole, Dorset
The inference of the document Pulping the South as reported by Peter
Knight is that trees are the only source of pulp for paper.
Industrial, governmental and environmental organisations appear slow and even
reluctant to recognise the value of Cannabis sativa, the hemp plant, as
a truly sustainable paper resource.
The plant needs few artificial inputs, is fast growing and has soil binding
properties. Every part of the plant is utilised, not only for all qualities of
paper but also oils, animal feeds and bedding, rope and textiles.
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The Home Office now licenses some farmers in Britain to produce hemp on a
commercial basis. Varieties have been chosen with low levels of THC, its
“popular” narcotic component.
When considering a sustainable supply of paper for the future, it seems
logical to consider hemp as an alternative to trees.
