It's tough to be witty when it comes to talking about a kitchen scale. So far, we've had to do more explaining as to why one would need or want such an item in their kitchen than anything else. For the sake of clarity, a nice digital scale will do wonders if you enjoy baking. Measuring cups and spoons are not terribly accurate, and baking works best with accuracy. A digital scale will provide you with a way to have foolproof measurements every time you bake.

This particular scale is pretty cool, because it's made out of hemp plastic. Over the past few weeks we've done a fair amount of research on biodegradable plastics, and we're quickly arriving at the conclusion that they're great and an underutilized resource.

Our test kitchens are small, and multi-purpose, which means that the equipment we have around must also be reasonably sized and multi-functional. The i5000H Eco-plastic has a scale base with a medium sized bowl. The base is easily turned off and stored, so when not in use it won't take up counter space. The bowl doubles as a nice mixing bowl when not being used with the scale. Together the two pieces don't take up much room, so it never felt clumsy having an extra piece of equipment in the work flow.

The i5000H has easy to use controls. It also features net and gross weighing, a tare feature, a count feature and a very easy to read backlit display. The hemp plastic holds onto moisture a bit more than plastics you may be used to, so be prepared to spend a moment drying the bowl in between uses. Hemp plastic is still quite expensive to make, so the unit is being sold very close to cost and isn't widely available. This unit retails for around $47, and can be found at Old Will Knott Scales.

PORTLAND, OR, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. (NAT, OTCBB: NADVF, TSXV: NAT), a pioneer in commercializing the use of bast fibers including industrial hemp for use in casual apparel, performance yarns, industrial filters and absorbent pulp and paper products, is conducting bulk commercialization trials with a leading U.S. apparel brand, and one of North America's largest pulp and paper producers. The results of these tests are expected to determine the next steps to bring its CRAILAR(R) Organic Fiber and Advanced Materials technology to market and are expected to be announced by the end of November.

"These trials are a significant milestone in our long-term strategy to commercialize the patented CRAILAR Technology Platform, which we developed in partnership with the National Research Council of Canada and the Alberta Research Council. We are very excited to reach the final stages of the trials and look forward to discussing the results and our preliminary plans to apply this technology on a large commercial scale," said Ken Barker, CEO of Naturally Advanced Technologies.

CRAILAR technology capitalizes on the superior natural properties of industrial hemp, such as greater tensile strength, thermo regulation properties, anti-microbial, and abrasion resistance. In addition, industrial hemp does not need pesticides and herbicides, thrives in cool climates, is drought tolerant, benefits soil and helps to eliminate greenhouse gases.

NAT transforms hemp into organic fibers that are an effective alternative to organic cotton for use in comfort apparel and into advanced materials for use in performance apparel, advanced composites, bio polymers, industrial filters and absorbent pulp and paper products. NAT's cost-effective, environmentally advantageous solutions are designed to meet the rapidly growing demand for organic fibers and advanced materials as consumers and corporations reduce their environmental footprint and the cost of petroleum-based synthetics continues to rise.

About Naturally Advanced Technologies, Inc.

Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. is committed to unlocking the potential of renewable and environmentally sustainable biomass resources from hemp and other bast fibers. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Crailar Fiber Technologies Inc., is developing proprietary technologies for production of bast fibers, cellulose pulp, and their resulting by-products, in collaboration with Canada'sNational Research Council and the Alberta Research Council. CRAILAR(R) technology offers cost-effective and environmentally sustainable processing and production of natural, bast fibers such as hemp and flax, resulting in increased performance characteristics for use in textile, industrial, energy, medical and composite material applications. The Company is also a provider of sustainable, environmentally friendly fibers and fabrics through its apparel division HTnaturals. Founded in 1998 in response to the growing demand for environmentally friendly, socially responsible clothing, the Company adheres to a "triple bottom line" philosophy, respecting the human rights of employees, the environmental impact of the Company's operations and fiscal responsibility to its shareholders. See www.naturallyadvanced.com

http://in.sys-con.com/node/712324

A Western Australian farmer hopes to export super-fine 'baby hemp' that he claims gives merino wool a run for its money.

Kim Hough is growing hemp at a time of the year when it grows quicker and has longer fibres than conventional hemp, making it ideal for the premium textile market.

He says the export market is keen.

"A lot of people get the wrong idea that hemp is coarse like your bags and things," he says.

"Now hemp has been refined to an extraordinary degree and now we're looking at super-fine fibres with the baby hemp.

"Japan is the place we're looking at at the moment but also China is looking at more high quality fibre."

   17-18 JUNE 2008

KENMARE, Co. KERRY, IRELAND

The development of the Hemp materials for use in construction and of the methods used to apply or install them has expanded greatly in the last 5 years. Since writing the first book on the subject Steve Allin has received reports of pioneering projects from around the world and requests for more information on many aspects of how hemp can be used in various specific situations.

          This has lead to the organising of the 1st International Hemp Building Seminar, a 2 day event which will take place in the town of Kenmare in S.W.Kerry. It will be an opportunity to hear the worlds top experts talk of their experiences and projects and to see the latest techniques demonstrated, and to share ideas with others from around the world. If you are already building with Hemp or interested in it’s potential then this is an event not to be missed.

          Day 1 will consist of various presentations given by experts and practioners from around the world. The second day will feature a visit to a hemp building project nearby in the morning and a demonstration of the hempcrete spraying technique and hemp-lime plastering.

          Attendance fee; €175

To book your place email hempbuilding@eircom.net

Made from hemp and called hemcrete, the mixture is being applied to walls at the Centre for Alternative Technology (Cat), near Machynlleth.

A lot of energy is used to make the common form of concrete in comparison to its "greener" cousin, said Cat.

Hemp is legal and part of the cannabis species, which includes marijuana.

It is identical in appearance to the illegal drug, but it lacks the narcotic qualities.

Hemp is grown in the UK and is recognised to be a versatile crop and is used to make many retail products.

Hemcrete, made from hemp stalks, lime and a small quantity of cement, produces less carbon emissions than conventional concrete, said Cat.

The product is being sprayed onto heraklith (woodwool) boards at Cat's new Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (Wise).

The £6.2m training and conference venue will extend the eco-centre's courses in subjects such as sustainable architecture and solar power for electricians.

"The new building will be an inspiring place for them to study, embodying all the principles taught within it," said Wise project officer Phil Horton.

 ..> ..>

An artist's impression of Cat's new Wise building

"All the heating and electricity in the Wise building will come from a range of renewable sources.

"This includes a combined heat and power plant burning woodchips, solar panels for electricity and hot water, hydroelectric turbines and several wind turbines."

Other energy and carbon-saving techniques include rammed earth walls, which will make up a circular 200-seater lecture theatre.

When finished, Wise will have 24 twin hotel-style rooms, classrooms, workshops, a laboratory, offices, lecture rooms, and a restaurant and a bar.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/mid_/7277479.stm

Sipho Masondo BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT

THE Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is piloting a multi-billion-rand agri-business project that could encourage Eastern Cape farmers to grow hemp and flax for the textile industry.

The project is aimed at boosting economic activity. Hemp and flax are used for various purposes, including textiles and food.

"The main objective is to exploit these plants to extract long and short fibre," said CSIR fibres and textile manager Abisha Tembo.

He said a recent presentation on this matter was well received by the provincial economic development forum and that a pilot project to grow flax would be established by the Cacadu district municipality before the end of the year.

"Other than the two Industrial development zones in Port Elizabeth and East London, the automotive industry, and, to a smaller extent, sheep and angora goat farming, there is no other flagship economic project.

"Growing and processing flax and hemp will provide a new industry that is viable and has the potential to be worth billions, if farmers get the required interventions in terms of government subsidies," he said.

Trials the institute had conducted in Qamata, Libode, Addo and East London had shown that the province had the right climate to cultivate the crops.

Although hemp is illegal in South Africa as it is a member of the cannabis sativa family, various organisations, including the CSIR and the Agriculture Research Council, are lobbying government to change the legislation.

CSIR natural plant fibre centre manager Sunshine Blouw said: "The advantage of the two plants is that flax is grown in winter and hemp in summer. Farmers can grow both in different seasons without having to acquire different technologies for production and processing as both plants use the same technology."

The CSIR, Blouw said, would help set up a processing and production facility in an area accessible to all farmers. "Ideally, the farmers should own it through a co-operative."

Notwithstanding China's dominance in textiles and clothing, Blouw said markets were available.

"In 2004, South Africa imported R100-million worth of flax and R75-million worth of hemp. It would not make business sense to import if you can buy locally."

http://www.theherald.co.za/herald/biz/01_29022008.htm