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Hemp vs. Polyester

At Kind Hemp Co. we are passionate about hemp. It is a renewable resource and far superior to any other fabric, especially polyester. 

Polyester is plastic. 

Did you know that 70 million barrels of oil are used annually to make polyester? 

Unlike hemp fibers that biodegrade naturally, polyester can take up to 200 years to decompose. Instead of biodegrading, polyester fibers shed tiny pieces of plastic called microfibers. With just one wash, polyester releases thousands of plastic microfibers into the water supply. Micro-plastics account for 31% of the plastic pollution in our oceans and cause significant harm to marine life.

It starts with marine life and then slowly but surely these micro-plastics make their way into our diets as well. According to the Washington Post, Americans ingest at least 74,000 micro-plastic particles every year. That’s about a credit card worth of plastic every week! These micro-plastics are not only a nuisance to our environment but they are also toxic. 

The entire process of creating and wearing polyester releases toxins into the environment. Some of the particles released from polyester include Bisphenol A (commonly known as BPA), which is linked to hormone interference and can negatively affect fertility in both men and women. Another particle released is phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens are emitted by polyester which disrupt the endocrine system and can cause certain type of cancers.

Hemp is safe and non-toxic to you and the environment. Wearing hemp clothing is actually healthy for your skin.

Hemp is extremely breathable, it wicks moisture, and has a high insulation index keeping you comfortable and your temperature regulated. Polyester is the least breathable fiber we have and it is terrible at conducting heat and sweat resulting in skin irritation and rashes.

Recent studies show that 60% of all clothing is made from polyester. Supporting hemp and other organically grown natural fibers is not only better for the environment but it is also significantly healthier for us and all life on Earth. Wear hemp, not plastic!

Try a pair of our Kind Hemp Co. Hemp Socks and compare them to your typical polyester socks. We promise after you do, you'll want to convert your entire sock drawer to hemp!