Organically Grown Cotton
Textile Chemicals Are Known to Be Bad For Your Health
Many of the chemicals used in textiles are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as moderately to extremely hazardous, and have been associated genetic mutations, cancer, abnormal hormone levels, birth defects and reproductive problems. Although subjects of most of these studies were bacteria, wildlife or lab animals, the findings certainly suggest that there is at least cause for concern and caution.
So we know that our skin can absorb chemicals in our clothing and that many of the chemicals used in textile production and dangerous. But it's not just our health that is at risk; the entire process of textile production is a very dirty business that impacts both person and planet.
Textiles Chemicals Pollute the Environment
The use of green-colored dye is about the only green thing that the textile industry has to offer. Production of textiles not only leaves toxins in the finished product but also pollutes the earth while doing so. Flame retardants in clothing, in addition to being absorbed by the skin, persist in the environment, not breaking down for many years. The chemicals added during processing of fabrics is not the only problem, the entire process of growing non-organic cotton unleashes an array of additional toxins into the environment.
It is a fact that products made from organically grown cotton carry a higher price tag than merchandise using cotton harvested under conventional farming practices. But taking into account the long-term savings in health care and environmental clean up, pound for pound as organic consumers we are dollars ahead.
When you choose organically grown cotton you are.
- Reducing you and your family's exposure to allergens and chemicals.
- Helping to keep industrial waste out of groundwater and streams.
- Helping to eliminate farm workers exposure to life-threatening substances.
- Supporting sustainable farming practices.
- And increasing soil health and biodiversity.
Creating a pure, natural environment is a vital decision for a growing number of parents. With our children exposed to pollutants in many aspects of life, choosing 100% organic cotton is a vital step toward natural living, both for our sensitive babies, as well as our environment.
Conventional vs. Organic Cotton
The second most pesticide-laden crop in the world after coffee, cotton represents only 2.4 percent of all cultivated land, but utilizes 25 percent of the planet's pesticide and 10 percent of its herbicide production. Conventional cotton farming involves heavy pesticide and herbicide spraying. Chlorine bleach is used to whiten fabrics and formaldehyde is applied to finished garments. Approximately 1/3 pound of chemicals is used to grow cotton for just one t-shirt. These chemicals cause harm to wildlife, the environment and humans.
"Working with, not against," nature is the principle behind organic farming. Grown without pesticides and spun without chemicals, organic farmers rely on organic fertilizers, manual crop rotation and integrated pest management. Fields are naturally fertilized, pest-eating insects are used to naturally control crop damage, and weeds are removed with hoes and tractors, as well as manually. Farms earn the organic label by using soil that has been free of synthetic pesticides for at least three consecutive years. Beneficial insects, chili, garlic, neem tree oil and alfalfa are some of the ingredients used in organic farming.
Quality and Durability
Organic cotton is pure, natural and more breathable for delicate skin. Pesticide and chemically-treated clothing, diapers and bedding block the natural balance of the skin by trapping heat and preventing it from "breathing," (i.e. absorbing adequate moisture), often causing rashes and eczema on sensitive skin.
Organic cotton clothing lasts longer due to its natural composition. It is a softer, thicker cotton that is sturdier than thinner conventional cotton that gets worn much quicker from use and washing. Consumers are always surprised at how long each piece of organic clothing lasts.
The Organic Process
Cotton is the world's most popular and best selling fabric & its value extends beyond borders and fashion houses.
But the conventional global cotton industry producing inexpensive clothing for major chain stores is taking an enormous toll on the planet. The simple act of conventionally growing and harvesting the one pound of cotton fiber needed to make a tee-shirt is highly destructive to the earth's air, water, and soil, impacting global health.
How does the organic cotton manufacturing process differ from the conventional one and what are the benefits?
There are generally four major steps in processing cotton seed into cotton apparel. They are:
1. Planting and growing
2. Harvesting
3. Cleaning or "ginning" the cotton boll
4. Manufacturing
Step 1. Planting & Growing.
Working with rather than against nature is the guiding principle behind organic farming. Organic farmers use biologically-based rather than chemically dependent growing systems to raise crops and focus on preventing problems before they occur. By focusing on managing rather than completely eliminating troublesome weeds and insects, organic farmers are able to maintain ecological balance and protect the environment.
The Soil is key to the process and Organic Farming starts with healthy soil. The soil is seen as a living system and not simply a growing medium for plants. Compost, efficient nutrient recycling, frequent crop rotations and cover crops replace synthetic fertilizers to keep the soil healthy and productive.
Step 2. Harvesting.
Organic cotton is often hand picked - especially in developing countries - without the use of defoliants, machinery or chemicals. Hand picking also means less waste.
Step 3. Cleaning & Ginning.
Manufacturing cotton fiber into fabric and garments consists of several major processes: cleaning, spinning, knitting or weaving, dyeing, cutting and assembly, finishing and cleaning.
Before cotton fiber can be manufactured from cotton plants several cleaning steps are required. After the plants have been processed at a cotton gin product is distributed to fiber producers. The fiber manufacturer further removes plant material and other debris by dividing and carding the lint. The waste from this process is a mixture of stems, leaves, soils, and lint.
Once separated in the gin fibers go to textile mills and seed and various by-products are used for animal feed and human food, mostly for cottonseed oil.
Step 4. Manufacturing: Spinning, Weaving, Knitting, Dying, & Finishing
At each manufacturing step organic clothing manufacturers do not add petroleum scours, silicon waxes, formaldehyde, anti-wrinkling agents, chlorine bleaches or other unauthentic materials.
Natural alternatives such as natural spinning oils that biodegrade easily are used to facilitate spinning; potato starch is used for sizing; hydrogen peroxide is used for bleaching; organic color grown cottons and low-impact dyes and earth clays are used for coloration and natural vegetable and mineral inks and binders are used for printing on organic cotton fabric. These natural alternatives are used to reduce and eliminate the toxic consequences found in conventional cotton fabric manufacturing.
Organic manufacture may seem like a painstaking process but ultimately the consumer and the environment come out ahead. It's worth it.
