What is organic cotton?
There are numerous benefits to growing organic cotton. The main benefit is that there are fewer chemicals in the environment. Research has proven that exposure to harsh chemicals like pesticides can cause mild problems such as headaches and nausea. Prolonged exposure can cause more serious illnesses like cancer or problems with our hormones, nervous system, reproductive system and immune system. Goods grown organically also retain more of their natural nutritional value (e.g., organic oranges have more vitamin c than conventionally grown oranges). Organic cotton is also a good choice for people with skin allergies or irritations because there are almost no chemicals involved with the growing of the plant or the production of the garment.
Organic cotton starts with organic farming practices, which uses seeds that haven’t been genetically modified or treated with pesticides. It is then grown free of toxic chemicals — highly synthetic and destructive fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides or pesticides. Pest control is accomplished through the use of natural predators and other sustainable practices (such as crop rotation). From growth through harvesting, the process is monitored according to a set of Organic Growing Standards adopted by governmental bodies.
Organically grown cotton has been produced without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. A field must be pesticide free for three years for the cotton to be certified organic, therefore, it is safe for consumers, the farmers and workers who grow it, and the natural environment. Why is organic cotton important? Non-organically (conventionally) grown cotton can cause irreparable damage to the natural environment and to farm workers, and may contaminate drinking water. Organic farming methods actually help regenerate soil that has been damaged by overuse of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Do conventional (non-organic) cotton farmers really use many chemicals? Unfortunately, yes. It takes 2/3 of a pound of pesticides to make one pair of jeans, and 1/3 of a pound to make a single T-shirt. Conventional cotton accounts for 10% of global pesticide use. The EPA says that conventional agriculture is responsible for 70% of all problems in U.S. rivers and streams. Can any of these c
Organic cotton production is the only farming system by which cotton is produced entirely free of chemical pesticides – and thereby without the risks that such chemicals pose to human health and the environment. Instead of pesticides, natural predator populations are nurtured within cotton production zones and measures such as intercropping and crop rotation are used to halt the development of cotton pest populations.
Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. (courtesy of the OTA) How much organic cotton is grown globally? In 2000-2001, international production was approximately 6,368 metric tons (slightly more than 14 million pounds, or 29,248 bales), grown in 12 countries, according to data from the Pesticide Action Network of the United Kingdom and from the Organic Trade Association (OTA). This represents about 0.03% of worldwide cotton production. Turkey and the United States were the leading producers of organic cotton, followed by India, Peru, Uganda, Tanzania, Egypt, Senegal, Israel, Greece, Benin and Brazil.(courtesy of the OTA) How muc
