The world is becoming more and more aware of the need for eco-friendly bagging materials, so it’s no surprise that jute is becoming so popular. Here are just seven reasons why jute is so good for the environment.
- Natural Product
Jute is a type of vegetable fibre that can be spun into strong threads. Though bags aren’t made of 100% jute, they are made almost completely of natural materials.
- Needs Little Water
Some plants can be eco-friendly but require lots of water to be grown and harvested. At a time when water conservation is becoming increasingly important, especially in the developing areas where jute usually grows, this is extremely important.
- Needs Little Chemical Assistance
Even if a plant doesn’t need much water, it might need some form of fertilizer, herbicide or pesticide in order to thrive. These chemicals get into the soil and can become dangerous as time goes on. Luckily enough, jute can grow with very little chemical assistance.
- Rapid Growth
Something like an oak tree takes years of growing to reach full maturity. In stark contrast, jute is extremely sustainable since the growing season is only around 100 days. That means farmers can put out a constant supply while remaining sustainable.
- Cleans the Air
Recent studies have demonstrated jute’s ability to absorb a huge amount of carbon dioxide. It is estimated that one hectare can absorb up to 15 tons of carbon dioxide and release as much as 11 tons of oxygen during the growing season.
- Improved Soil Quality
Far from taking nutrients out of the soil and making it hard to grow other things in the future, jute actually replenishes soil nutrients and reduces the risk of disease and pest infestations.
- Cost Effective
Since jute doesn’t require much water and can be grown quickly without the use of manmade fertilizers and pesticides, it’s a very profitable crop. This makes it attractive to farmers in the developing world who might otherwise use their land for something less eco-friendly.