About Organic Cotton
What is it?
Organic cotton is good for farmers, consumers and the environment. It is grown without using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides or defoliants on land that has been free of these chemicals for at least three years. Instead of killing weeds with herbicides, organic farmers kill them with hoes; instead of killing pests with pesticides, organic farmers keep them off their crops with things like chili and garlic. Bugs just can’t stand the stuff! In addition, organic cotton farmers use sustainable practices that are better for workers, don’t pollute the environment and don’t pose a threat to plants or animals.
Why wear organic?
Organic cotton is about so much more than just protecting your skin from toxic chemicals—although that’s definitely a bonus! Organic cotton farming also means that the land and the farmers who till it both receive tremendous benefits.
Benefits for the earth:
In non-organic cotton farming, so many synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and defoliants are used that the soil itself is eventually completely void of any living matter. So what happens? The cotton can’t grow naturally, so farmers need to supply it with everything it needs to thrive, including synthetic fertilizers and huge amounts of water. Plus, the more pesticides farmers use, the more resistant cotton-eating bugs become, and the more pesticides farmers have to continue to apply. It’s a cycle that doesn’t end, and one that depletes the Earth we share.
With organic cotton, things are different. The earth is treated with care so that it continues to thrive and to give the cotton everything it naturally needs. No chemicals are added and no synthetic fertilizers are used. This means that even the water sticks around because the fertile earth keeps it there. And the healthy crops that result lead to even healthier soil. When excess water does eventually run off into nearby streams and lakes, it’s not filled with chemicals or synthetic fertilizers. It’s a cycle that keeps getting stronger, and one that nourishes the Earth we share.
Benefits for people:
In non-organic cotton farming, many of the chemicals used are highly toxic and kill plants, animals and even humans. According to the UK-based Pesticide Action Network, at least 20,000 people in developing countries die every year from poisoning by agricultural pesticides, and three million suffer acute or reproductive after effects. These pesticides and other chemicals find their way into our food chain through things like cottonseed oil, which is found in everything from cookies to canned tuna. About 23 per cent of the world's insecticides and more than 10 per cent of the world's pesticides are used on non-organic cotton. With organic cotton, things are different. Farmers aren’t exposed to harmful chemicals, so they don’t face the associated health risks. Plus they use sustainable farming practices, which means they can rely on their crops year after year. The list of benefits goes on: neighbouring communities don’t drink water that’s contaminated with pesticide-filled run-off, consumers don’t eat cotton by-products that are filled with toxins, and fashion-conscious shoppers around the world don’t expose their skin to harmful chemicals in their clothing. It’s a process that lets everyone win!
Organic cotton—wear it for a better world
Click here for Just the Facts: Organic Cotton
