Get shtümpa'd!
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shtümpa embraces the idea that hemp products, as well as organic and recycled materials can replace conventional cotton on a global scale. We can all make a difference today by supporting this sustainable model, and by educating ourselves about the social and environmental benefits of these products.
The shtümpa print-shop is located on 2nd Ave, in Haines, Alaska; The peaked paradise at the end of the inside passage. The majority of shtümpa's shirts are printed on eco-friendly materials, and we utilize soy-based grey-water safe solvents and cleaners.
Why Organic Cotton?
About 23 percent of the world's insecticides are used to produce conventional cotton. In the case of irrigated cotton, on average, a total of 332.7 pounds of pesticides and fertilizers are applied per acre¹. In 2006 the amount of pesticides applied to cotton in the United States alone totaled over 55 Million pounds². These synthetic fertilizers and chemicals contaminate the soil, ground water, and air. In contrast, organic cotton is grown without pesticides, insecticides or defoliants. Unfortunately, certified organic cotton currently represents an estimated 0.1% of cotton grown worldwide³. This is a movement where we can all make a huge difference, supply follows demand.
Why Hemp?
Using hemp makes shtümpa products low impact. Hemp rarely requires pesticides because it grows so quickly and is nearly impervious to pests. It also requires about 1/20th as much water to grow and process as cotton, and the hemp fiber is up to 4 times stronger than cotton. Fabric made from hemp naturally resists bacterial growth and filters harmful UV light. In the USA approximately 1.4 billion cotton t-shirts are sold annually. If they were replaced by hemp t-shirts the energy savings would be approx 3486 million GJ;† that's the household power for one whole year for over 92,000 people. And the water savings would be over 13 billion gallons; that would satisfy the household water consumption for more than half the population of the USA for an entire year! ‡
Even if that wasn't important, thanks to new developments in preparing and finishing the fabric, hemp clothing is incredibly soft and comfortable.
Why Bamboo?
Our bamboo shirts are %100 organic, grown without irrigation or pesticides, just rain, sunshine and dirt. Bamboo shirts wick moisture and have twice the absorbency as cotton, so you can sweat in it. And they have antibacterial properties, which inhibit body odor.
Bamboo makes so much sense, it’s obscene we don’t see it’s use locally in more applications.
Bamboo grows fast, really fast; it is the fastest growing plant on earth. It can grow up two inches in an hour, so it’s sustainable. Bamboo can grow in a variety of climates, from sea level all the way up to 12,000 ft, in areas receiving 30-250 inches of rain. It grows on every continent (the only place it doesn’t grow is the poles). A bamboo grove releases %35 more oxygen than the same size stand of trees. It grows incredible root systems, which prevent erosion. It is stronger than Oak, withstanding 52,000 pounds of pressure per square inch. It’s uses range from food & clothing, to building materials, medicines and musical instruments.
Go outside and plant a bamboo ‘clump’ in your backyard.
Shtümpa is always looking for new ways to create wearable art. If you see another avenue towards this end, or ways for us to improve, we want to hear from you! Please don’t hesitate to shoot us an email; info@shtumpa.com
~Cheers!
OK... take me back to the goods!
¹ Texas A&M University System; Ag-Cares 2005, and accompanying spreadsheets
² Agricultural Statistic Board, NASS, USDA; Agricultural Chemical Usage 2005 Field Crops Summary, May 2006
³ Simon Ferrigno ORGANIC COTTON FIBER REPORT Spring 2006 Organic Exchange: Oakland April 2006
† "now-now" you say, "what is a GJ?" A Gigajoule is 1 billion joules, or the equivalent of the energy expended by 25.9 litres of heating oil.
(OEE of Canada)
‡ To learn more about the many uses of hemp and to see sources cited click here
# Onno textiles; http://www.onnotextiles.com
*** To learn more about organic vs traditional practices visit the Organic Exchange; http://www.organicexchange.org
