HEMP HITS MAINSTREAM AND MAIN STREET

Boots made out of recycled medical gloves and pop cans, sandals that
can be thrown in the compost at the end of their life, and T-shirts
woven out of materials associated with the kitchen are the latest
additions to shopping in Smithers.

Fibre Nation Organics opened its doors on Main Street almost two
months ago and owner Nicola Papps said the interest in the hemp,
organic cotton, bamboo and soy fabrics has been positive.

"I was quite surprised. I thought there might have been a bit of
controversy," Papps said in regard to the hemp products.

Originally Papps was thinking about manufacturing her own clothing
line made out of hemp fabrics, but after some research she decided to
go into retail.

She said one of her main draws to hemp is the fact the fibre is a
renewable resource.

"Hemp is four times stronger that cotton," Papps said.

"I think the first jeans were made out of hemp. It is basically an old
fabric that has been forgotten."

Papps added one of the clothing lines she carries, Nomads, is designed
in Nelson, B.C. and manufactured in Vancouver. She said unlike much of
the hemp clothing that was produced at the beginning of the resurgence
of the fabric, the designs now are modern. Papps hopes to expand into
manufacturing clothing in Smithers, but right now her new store has
her full attention.

"Every day is a new adventure," Papps said.

Her store also carries hemp pancake mix, brownies, coffee and jewelry
by local designers.