Closed-Loop Carbon Cycles The growing and harve

Closed-Loop Carbon Cycles

The growing and harvesting of hemp is referred to as a closed-loop carbon cycle or “carbon neutral”. A plant is said to be carbon neutral if the carbon dioxide (CO2) that it absorbs while alive is the same as the CO2 it emits when burned as a fuel. For people and organizations, becoming carbon neutral is usually achieved by implementing renewable energy projects — such as planting trees, which absorb CO2 — that offset the amount of carbon dioxide emissions.

How does one find out one’s total CO2 output, that is, one’s carbon footprint? By performing a carbon audit that tallies up the amount of CO2 emitted by driving one’s car, running one’s appliances, and other activities. You then get to carbon neutrality by planting trees, investing in solar energy, and implementing other carbon offsets. Industrial hemp is a huge part of the equation by being a carbon neutral green plant. By using hemp as a food, clothing, and fuel source, we are putting more green plants on the Earth and reducing the strain on our environment.

Here are some yearly carbon footprint figures to consider:

An average person (world-wide): 4 tons
An average American: 22 tons
An average Chinese: 2.25 tons
Driving an SUV*: 5 tons (10,000 miles at 18 miles per gallon)

Source: The Wall Street Journal