In San Luis Obispo, CA we visited two alternative fiber stores, Hemp Shak (www.facebook.com/hempshak) & Bambu Batu (www.bambubatu.com). I purchased a pair of Simple slip-on sandals made from industrial hemp at the Hamp Shak, a product that can be sold domestically but not produced domestically. The fabrics were relatively inexpensive and felt extremely comfortable.
Bambu Batu's store was very serene and holistic, while Hemp Shak was more like an alternative surf shop with some of the best art I had ever seen on the wall. In talking to attendants at both places, there was a general consensus that cotton subsidies were a major obstacle in allowing these fantastic products to emerge in the marketplace. Diversity in markets promotes resilience, which provides stability as well as choice. Bamboo grows excellent in Florida and has an abundance of uses other than just clothing.
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