4 Reasons Why Organic Cotton Clothing is Better for You and the Planet
All you have to do is type “world’s dirtiest crop” into your Google search bar and voila! - a myriad of articles about the negative impacts of conventional cotton will pop up on your screen. Fortunately, conventionally-grown cotton is not the only option for this high-in-demand crop. When it comes to sustainability and fashion, certified organic cotton is definitely a step in the right direction. Check out these four reasons why organic cotton is so much better for you and the planet!
Organic cotton is better for the environment
There are several things that make organic cotton a more environmentally friendly option than conventional cotton. One reason is that organic cotton, like organic food, is grown without the use of harsh chemicals and pesticides. This means fewer hazardous chemicals are released into our ecosystems through air pollution or water runoff. Organic cotton also requires significantly less water and energy to process than conventional cotton, and therefore leaves more resources available for those who need it.
Organic cotton is better for your health
We all know we shouldn’t be putting harsh chemicals in our bodies, so why put them on our bodies? Even in the USA, many of the pesticides that are most frequently used for growing cotton have been deemed by the World Health Organization as moderately to highly hazardous. If we wear conventionally grown cotton, many of the nasty chemicals that are used to grow and manufacture our products come in direct contact with our skin for hours at a time. Since cotton is used in soooo many clothes and household items, you could actually be in contact with those chemicals almost constantly (not good!). Save yourself the chemical exposure and invest in organic cotton instead. And, by the way, below are a few lovely places to find organic cotton items that you can feel good about wearing (seriously, PACT makes my favourite basics of all time).
PACT ORGANIC COTTON BASICS
Amour Vert
Thought Clothing
Organic cotton is better for field laborers
Growth of conventional cotton typically requires workers to come in close contact with harsh chemicals without effective protection. This includes breathing it in, touching it, and even eating it if the farmer grows other crops alongside their cotton. Plus, independant cotton farmers are often found to be investing more money into the GMO crops and pesticides than what they are able to profit, and become hopelessly indebted to banks or other lenders. These are obviously not great working or social conditions. Such circumstances can lead to major health and financial burdens for cotton workers and their families. On the other hand, organic cotton uses natural or no pesticides at all, which is much safer for laborers, farmers, and their families. Additionally, those who work with organic cotton are far more likely to earn a livable wage.
Organic cotton promotes slow fashion
The companies that produce certified organic cotton are often also dedicated to improved overall social and sustainability practices. Though this isn’t closely monitored in every country, in general you can safely expect that if you’re purchasing organically grown cotton, the farms and businesses that grew and created your product are working towards (or at least positively impacting) several other great social and sustainability goals, too. For the ultimate peace of mind, look for goods that are both organic cotton and fair trade certified when you make a purchase.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to make the switch to organic cotton? Have you already done so, and why? Leave me a comment below!
