Alternative Fibre Accessories

Hemp
Hemp is an environmentally friendly fibre as it's manufacture does not require the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers and uses very little water. It has minimal growth requirements and is a renewable resource.

In addition hemp fibre has three times the tensile strength of cotton, so is strong and longlasting. This means hemp accessories last a lot longer than accessories made from other fibres.

As an added benefit, hemp fibre accessories are UV and mold-resistant

Possible concerns:

Sometimes hemp is blended with silk to make a softer, more flowing fabric. This of course is not a vegan product.

Hemp that is blended with cotton is less environmentally friendly as cotton consumes far more resources than hemp.

China, the world's leading producer of hemp fabric, uses chemical methods for processing hemp, while producers in Europe have begun using cleaner biologically-based enzyme technology.

Colored dyes are still a problem, even with hemp. Dyes are toxic chemicals, and their use and disposal has harmful effects on the environment.

Ottawa-area retailers of hemp accessories include: Belts:
 * Arbour Environmental Shoppe
 * Karma Wear

Dog Leash:
 * Karma Wear

Scarves:
 * Arbour Environmental Shoppe

Non-local Suppliers