When shopping for cotton shirts, most of us don't give much thought to the type of cotton used. So why choose organic cotton garments?
Cotton is one of the most common crops in the world. It is present on 2.5% of the world's arable land, making it one of the most popular crops by far. Sadly, its growing process also consumes more than 16% of the world's pesticides, chemicals that pollute the air and water in cotton-growing communities, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. A large amount of pesticides are used to grow conventional cotton. When workers hand-pick traditionally grown cotton, they are exposed to these toxic chemicals. And, whether conventional cotton is harvested by hand or by machine, these toxic pesticides can seep into water supplies. This is scary because pesticide use has been linked to birth defects, weakened immune systems and other diseases. Traditional cotton production also requires a lot of water, which has its own impact on the environment.
In contrast, organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides and fertilizers. This means that when you choose organic cotton garments, you'll be comfortable with your choice knowing that you're supporting the environment and the organic farmers committed to providing greener options.
Organic cotton for organic cotton garments is grown without the use of pesticides and hazardous chemicals that pollute the environment. Instead of spraying to kill pests, the ecosystem is manipulated and colonies are moved to ensure food sources for other species are still available, keep things in natural order and ensure a future for all living things. Not using chemicals also keeps soil and water clean, eliminating the risk of skin irritation from your new cotton garments, and keeping soil more nutritious and less prone to erosion.
In addition to the environmental benefits of organic cotton garments, organic cotton garment is softer and more durable than regular clothing. For organic cotton, the raw material is washed with hot water and vegetable soap instead of harsh chemicals. Because the cotton fibers in organic cotton are not weakened by chemicals, the resulting garments are more comfortable to wear. People who are sensitive to chemical residues in conventional cotton clothing are often pleasantly surprised to find that they don't have allergies when they wear organic cotton garment. The next time you shop for shirts or other clothing, choose eco-friendly clothing made from materials like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled materials.