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Look Good, Do Good, Feel Good - A Comparative Study of Cotton and Hemp

Johnsson, Amanda LU (2017) HEKK02 20162
Human Ecology
Abstract
This study is a comparison between the two natural textile fibers cotton and hemp. A comparison of the various phases in the fibers’ respective lifecycles is prepared by compiling and organizing data in a MET- matrix. This matrix is then analyzed in order to discern what environmental effects are associated with each textile fiber. Apart from raising concerns regarding the fact that sustainable fibers play an important role in the development towards more sustainable products this study also promote a debate about human consumption habits. One discussion mentioned in the study is to what extent a more environmentally friendly material can prevent environmental problems associated with the textile industry at large. This transcends towards... (More)
This study is a comparison between the two natural textile fibers cotton and hemp. A comparison of the various phases in the fibers’ respective lifecycles is prepared by compiling and organizing data in a MET- matrix. This matrix is then analyzed in order to discern what environmental effects are associated with each textile fiber. Apart from raising concerns regarding the fact that sustainable fibers play an important role in the development towards more sustainable products this study also promote a debate about human consumption habits. One discussion mentioned in the study is to what extent a more environmentally friendly material can prevent environmental problems associated with the textile industry at large. This transcends towards an analysis on how hemp as a more environmentally friendly material relates to the problems with economic growth and contemporary consumption behaviors. One thing that I have learnt after writing this thesis is that the vision about "green development/sustainability" which in practice would mean a world with less consumption and a world beyond the growth dilemma cannot be created in the capitalist world that we currently live in. However, hemp has a great potential in developing a sustainable bio-based economy with the opportunity to respond to the environmental challenges we are facing. What needs to happen is a total conversion, a change in the foundation of our economy, society and expectations of living; maybe a hemp revolution could lead the way. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Johnsson, Amanda LU
supervisor
organization
course
HEKK02 20162
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Cotton, hemp, sustainable development, sustainable development in the production process, life cycle assessment, MET-matrix, production, consumption, consumerism, Jevons paradox, rebound effect, economic growth.
language
Swedish
id
8899068
date added to LUP
2017-09-07 12:53:38
date last changed
2017-09-07 12:53:38
@misc{8899068,
  abstract     = {{This study is a comparison between the two natural textile fibers cotton and hemp. A comparison of the various phases in the fibers’ respective lifecycles is prepared by compiling and organizing data in a MET- matrix. This matrix is then analyzed in order to discern what environmental effects are associated with each textile fiber. Apart from raising concerns regarding the fact that sustainable fibers play an important role in the development towards more sustainable products this study also promote a debate about human consumption habits. One discussion mentioned in the study is to what extent a more environmentally friendly material can prevent environmental problems associated with the textile industry at large. This transcends towards an analysis on how hemp as a more environmentally friendly material relates to the problems with economic growth and contemporary consumption behaviors. One thing that I have learnt after writing this thesis is that the vision about "green development/sustainability" which in practice would mean a world with less consumption and a world beyond the growth dilemma cannot be created in the capitalist world that we currently live in. However, hemp has a great potential in developing a sustainable bio-based economy with the opportunity to respond to the environmental challenges we are facing. What needs to happen is a total conversion, a change in the foundation of our economy, society and expectations of living; maybe a hemp revolution could lead the way.}},
  author       = {{Johnsson, Amanda}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Look Good, Do Good, Feel Good - A Comparative Study of Cotton and Hemp}},
  year         = {{2017}},
}