19. Hemp-Based Products
Hemp is widely promoted as a miracle crop for sustainable living, but its eco-friendly reputation isn’t always justified. When grown intensively on a commercial scale—especially in regions where hemp isn’t native—these crops can require significant water, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides. Large-scale monoculture farming also leads to land degradation and biodiversity loss. As Forbes reports, the sustainability of hemp-based products depends heavily on farming practices and regional suitability, making the green label more complex than it appears.