What does organic cotton mean?
We’ve all heard of organic cotton, but what does organic cotton actually mean?
Organic cotton is defined as cotton that is grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. It is a sustainable and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional cotton because it promotes healthier soils, diverse ecosystems, and by using natural processes it is also safer for the people who grow it.
Organic cotton does not use any toxic chemicals that are harmful to human health, and prohibits the use of GMO (genetically modified) seeds. It promotes fair pay to farmers, encourages better working conditions and a better quality of life for all involved in the production of organic clothing.
Despite the advantages of organic cotton, it is less than 1% grown of all cotton grown today.
Organic cotton is really much better for both the environment and the people that grow it. In fact, it has been rated B grade on the Made-By Environmental Benchmark for Fibres, the second highest rank for sustainable fibres. In comparison, regular cotton was classed as E grade, the lowest in this ranking meaning it is not sustainable.
Organic cotton is less water intensive, promotes diversity, provides a stable income for farmers and even increases natural resistance to crops.
Perhaps the most important point to remember that makes organic cotton better is that by not adding toxic chemicals to the plant you are protecting the environment, the lives of those who grow it and it’s also healthier for you to wear. This is of course provided you buy 100% organic which hasn't had chemicals added during production.
Despite all the pros that makes organic cotton better than normal cotton, it's still sadly rare to find on the high street. Instead, conventional cotton continues to fuel our addiction to the latest trends, making us demand new seasons in a wasteful habit of always wanting more.
Now we are well and truly into the 21st century, sustainable fashion brands selling affordable organic cotton are easy to find. We can avoid the worst environmental impacts of cotton by making a simple switch to organic cotton.
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