Hemp
Twine
Ah
yes, the ever so sensitive subject of hemp. I will not even attempt
to get into the debate on whether or not it should be legally grown
in the U.S. You can do your own research on this one. But I will share
with you the basics of it when used as a fiber.
Hemp fibers are very strong and versatile. Hemp fiber can be used
to make many things - twine, cloth, paper, etc. It is a weed; because
it is a weed it is easy to grow, using much less fertilizer and pesticide
(if any) than does cotton. Weeds can usually grow on their own. It
also grows much faster and more densely than trees do. Using hemp
fiber instead of wood fiber places less of a need on cutting down
trees for paper production, which helps relieve deforestation problems.
Tid bit. “It is believed that the word “canvas”
came from the word “cannabis.” Sailcloth and canvas was
made from hemp for a long time!” (http://science.howstuffworks.com/question211.htm)