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Benefits of Organic Cotton

Organic Cotton: A Comfortable Choice

Organic Cotton

Set yourself free

Live better in sustainable, pesticide-free organic cotton that’s easier on the earth, the people who cultivate it and on you. Why choose organic when it comes to your family’s clothing, bed sheets, towels and anywhere else you desire the feel and softness of cotton? Because cotton accounts for 50% of the world’s textile market. And it takes some of the harshest chemicals to grow it conventionally, for instance:

It takes 1/3 pound of agricultural chemicals to produce one cotton t-shirt.
25% of the world's insecticides are used in cotton production.
Many of the pesticides used are known human carcinogens.
Toxic runoff pollutes water and kills wildlife.

More than 60% of American grown cotton is genetically engineered and designed to withstand large amounts of toxic herbicides, some of it exuding its own insecticides. (source: www.Mindfulmomma.com) So what does “organic” mean? Simply defined it’s the way agricultural products are grown and processed. For an item to be “Certified Organic,” it must be grown in accordance to strict uniform standards that are verified by independent state or private organizations. Certification includes inspections of farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping, and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers and handlers are meeting the standards which have been set. (source: howtogoorganic.com)

For foods, organic integrity is continually met from the farms to your purchase. In 1990, U.S. Congress created the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) to establish a system to certify that specific practices are maintained in farming and processing organic agricultural ingredients for food and non-food purposes. The Act also required that the U.S. Secretary of Agricultural create a standard guideline to identify allowable and prohibited substances in all organic production and operations. (source: Organic Trade Association)

For textiles, many of which are produced overseas, there are international certifying organizations that ensure that not only the cotton used in production is organic, but that the entire process is certified as ecologically sound‹from harvest to shipment. The two main certifying bodies employed by Gaiam and its factories are: SKAL and IMO.

Top Ten Reasons to Go Organic (source: Organic Trade Association)

Organic products meet stringent standards
Organic food tastes great!
Organic production reduces health risks
Organic farms respect our water resources
Organic farmers build healthy soil
Organic farmers work in harmony with nature
Organic producers are leaders in innovative research
Organic producers strive to preserve diversity
Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy
Organic abundance Foods and non-foods alike!

Organic Cotton - A Comfortable Choice.

By making the switch to organic cotton, you’re helping to support conscientious farming communities who have been growing cotton without harmful chemicals for years. Through their diligent methods, they produce high quality cotton that is equal to or superior than conventionally grown cotton. Their natural process supports biodiversity and healthy ecosystems because it often uses fewer natural resources. The elimination of polluting and nitrogen leaching chemicals, done in combination with soil building, protects and conserves our water resources. Growing organic cotton can actually replenish and maintain soil fertility, improving land quality and our planet in general.

Fact: Each T-shirt made from 100% organic cotton saves one-third of a pound of synthetic fertilizers and farm chemicals. (source: sustainablecotton.org)

Safer to farm.

Farming naturally grown cotton is also much safer for those men and woman who harvest it. Its workers aren't exposed to breathing or ingesting harmful chemicals while active in the field, and don't have to worry about the same toxins interfering with their community’s water supply. Pro-organic cotton organizations like Clothes for a Change (CFAC) also work to raise awareness about the negative health and environment effects of conventionally grown cotton as well as the on-going exploitation of clothing sweatshops worldwide.

Fact: USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops. (source: ota.org)

How to go Organic?

Deciding to buy organic products is a healthy lifestyle choice, but one that can also make a dent in your wallet. So be sure to be selective and comparison shop. Look for less-expensive alternatives at different stores especially major chains with their own organic brands (source: organic.org).

How it’s grown.

Farming organic cotton begins with its soil as frequent crop rotations and cover crop strategies replace synthetic fertilizers to keep the land well-balanced and fruitful. Weeds are controlled by innovative farm equipment, specialized hand labor or flame devices rather than toxic herbicides. Instead of eliminating insects with synthetic chemicals, advances in natural pest control such as using ladybugs to destroy harmful insects, have helped make raising organic cotton a viable enterprise. (source: eartheasy.com)

As the demand for organically raised, pesticide-free cotton grows in the agricultural and commerce worlds, conscientious as well as passive consumers are choosing it over its conventional cousin due to its softness and less irritation on the skin. From clothing to sheets and pillowcases, to towels and bathrobes, organic cotton is steadily keeping up with the styles and desire for it.

Living Organic.

Starting today, you can make a difference in the environment, our earth’s soil, water, air and for countless living things. Simply by going organic in what you wear, sleep on, wash and dry with, and what you consume, you can help replenish our planet and safeguard its future abundance. To learn how to go organic, visit howtogoorganic.com. And for more information on organic cotton visit gaiam.com.

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