Episode 7: Let's Talk Hemp (if the Shoe Fits)

More than 300 million shoes end up in landfills each year, yet many still are made with plastic and petroleum-based materials.

Hemp became classified as an agricultural product with the passage of the U.S. 2018 Farm Bill. The history of plant has been complicated since the 1930s, when anti-marijuana advocates lumped all forms of cannabis together. Yet, hemp is composed of less than .3% THC and has been used in many different ways that long predate the founding of the United States. 

"The almost too good to be true qualities of hemp speak for itself," says Joe Napurano, the founder of Rackle Shoes. With a background in product design engineering and a desire to change how consumers see footwear and how producers approach design, Napurano launched the company in 2020.

In this episode of Stef Talks Trash, Editorial Director Stefanie Valentic discusses the use of hemp as a sustainable alternative.

"I think it's some time for some truth and some reckoning to the industry," Napurano says.

Stay tuned for a new episode of Stef Talks Trash every Thursday.

Hemp Educational Resources:

http://www.votehemp.com
http://www.hempindustrial.com
https://www.mass.gov/industrial-hemp-program
https://ushempga.org
https://nationalhempassociation.org
https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/resources/antibacterial-properties-of-hemp-and-other-natural-fibre-plants-a-review/

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Clubhouse: Trash Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET