Pubdate: Thu, 13 Jul 2006
Source: Wisconsin State Journal (WI)
Section: Business, E1
Copyright: 2006 Madison Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.madison.com/wsj/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/506
Author: James Edward Mills
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hemp.htm (Hemp)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

ECO-STORE STRIVES TO RETAIL HEMP, DISSOLVE MYTHS

Consumer products made from a renewable resource are all you will 
find at Hempen Goods. At the near East Side store, clothing, 
backpacks, wallets, footwear, paper, even lip balm, soap, candles and 
dietary supplements are derived from seeds, stems and fibers of the 
versatile hemp plant.

Hempen Goods owner Rich Ray said Americans are the world's leading 
consumers of hemp products. With the advantage of being an annual 
crop that can be grown easily throughout much of the world, hemp can 
be made into a variety of consumer goods from bio-diesel fuel to 
building materials for homes.

Ray said he hopes his shop can help dispel some of the myths and 
controversy around the raw material that people may associate with 
illegal drug use.

"It's really an eco-store. People see hemp and a lot of times they 
think head shop," Ray said. "Sometimes I think people believe hemp is 
produced to justify some backdoor marijuana legalization. It's really 
about offering people sustainable, quality products that function 
better than what they replace. What I'm trying to do is offer people 
that alternative."

Ray offers fashionable clothing in styles suitable for even office 
casual. Items include products from companies such as Sweet Grass 
Fibers, Earth Creations and Of the Earth.

If you have been looking for an alternative to petroleum-based 
synthetic fabrics like polyester, Hempen Goods provides a wide 
selection of textile items woven from all-natural materials.

Ray said hemp is also a good alternative to non-organic cotton, whose 
cultivation requires a great many pesticides and herbicides.

"Cotton consumes I think about 50 percent of all agricultural 
chemicals," he said.

And Ray said hemp becomes softer with wash and wear than cotton.

"It's one of the softest natural fibers," he said. "It's very 
breathable. It's cool in summer but it has great insulating 
properties so in the winter it keeps you warm."

Hempen Goods 911 Williamson St. 608-287-0410 www.hempengoods.com
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman