ENVIRONMENT
A hempcrete house in Australia by Steffen Welsch Architects
YOU HAVE THE POWER TO HEMPCRETE COULD CHANGE INFLUENCE PRODUCTS THE WAY WE BUILD EVERYTHING By RYAN THOMAS How we react to the thought of a shopping trip can vary considerably between people but regardless of how we feel, it’s a necessary part of life. What we base our purchasing decisions on however, are not so set in stone; something retail is very much aware of. A sizeable amount of money is spent every year on understanding the complexity of what consumers want. Some consumers are willing to sacrifice more of their budget in favour of perceived high-quality goods, others prioritise price above all else (promos for the win), some are impulse spenders and others take an inordinate amount of time pondering a purchase before eventually relenting at the check-out. It is this decision-making behaviour that puts consumers in a very powerful position and dictates how a retailer approaches making a sale. From product sourcing to packaging, to price and store design, shoppers can influence it all. This influence can motivate retailers to be more conscious of the impact that operations and product procurement have on the environment. How, though, do you know whether the store you shop at thinks environmental sustainability is important or not? Visiting their website and looking for related policies or sustainability reports is a good start. Then there’s just simple observation. For example, look out for solar panels which show support for renewable energy, ask about their position on fur trade and sustainable seafood, check labelling to see whether they support local manufacturers and if the packaging is recyclable. When you shop, thinking about how your purchase will promote responsible and sustainable retail, which ultimately benefits you and your fellow shoppers. 22
Hempcrete is a building material that incorporates hemp into its mixture resulting in a versatile and hardy building material that is fireproof, waterproof, and rot-proof, provided it’s used aboveground. Derived from the shiv or inside stem of the hemp plant, it’s then mixed with a lime base binder to create the final, negative carbon footprint product. Hempcrete is much more versatile and pliable than concrete, making it an easier material to work with. In fact, earthquakes cannot crack these structures, as they are three times more resistant to damage than regular concrete. Hempcrete also requires less energy to produce, since lime doesn’t need to be heated to the same degree as industrial concrete. Because it contains cellulose, it also sequesters carbon. Strong, lightweight, and breathable, Hempcrete takes humidity from the external environment and holds it until it is ready to be released again when the air becomes dry. While lime takes longer to harden than concrete, since it contains cellulose, it is incredibly strong. Over time, the lime turns back into rock, so the material becomes harder and harder until it petrifies completely. Since hemp grows to maturity in just 14 weeks, it is a very powerful, cheap, and sustainable solution. Hemp also requires no fertiliser, weed killers, pesticides, or fungicides to grow, and can be used in nearly limitless capacities. Hemp seeds can be harvested as a nutritious food rich in Omega-3 oil, amino acids, protein, and fibre, while the outer fibres can be used for clothing, paper, and many other everyday items. This truly is a remarkable plant, and its use in the mainstream should be a no-brainer. From www.collective-evolution.com
