So It's 100% Organic Cotton, But What Does That Mean?

It is widely believed that regular cotton is a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers because it is biodegradable as it is a natural material. But, what is not considered in this notion is the carbon footprint of conventional cotton production. Producing regular cotton is an intensive process in regards to water and energy, and utilizes mass amounts of pesticides and insecticides. This is a serious issue when it comes to greenhouse gas pollution. This is why we use organic cotton. But, what is the real difference between organic cotton and regular cotton?

The Seeds

Organic cotton uses all natural seeds, rather than genetically-modified (GMO) seeds. GMO seeds are designed to have tolerances to bugs and pests. The problem is that the bugs then become stronger to combat the tolerance of the GMO seed, requiring more pesticides and insecticides to be used on the crop. This means that those harmful chemicals are present on the cotton when it is turned into wearable fabric. This brings us to the next difference.

Pesticides & Insecticides

Because organic cotton is produced with natural seeds, no pesticides and insecticides are used. Instead, organic cotton uses insects that already occur in nature to protect the plants from the bugs. This is a natural process as it is a part of the entire ecosystem of cotton growth. And, this leads us right into the next point.

The Soil & Atmosphere

Without pesticides or insecticides used, organic cotton adds to the health of the soil and the atmosphere. The chemicals break down the soil and render is unusable after the crop has been harvested. Organic cotton adds nutrients to the soil, which then makes it reusable for cotton growth, or any other crop. Additionally, since organic cotton isn't ladened with chemicals, it improves the quality of the air, just like any other natural plant.

Skin Health

Another benefit of no harsh chemicals is the overall safety of organic cotton for skin while it is being worn! Regular cotton, being processed with many chemicals throughout the process, still have those chemicals present after it has been created into a garment. This impacts how it affects skin, as well as overall comfort and softness. With organic cotton, none of those chemicals are used, so the garment is healthy for skin and soft to the touch.

Worker Safety

No harsh chemical use is also better for the workers that are farming and processing the cotton! Sustainability is not only about the environment, it's about the people as well. Without the presence of harsh chemicals, the workers are much safer and do not have to worry about the side effects of touching or inhaling pesticides and insecticides. 

Less Water & Energy

Much of the savings of water and energy for organic cotton comes from the fact that (1) the soil is reusable, and (2) pesticides and insecticides do not have to be produced for growth. With the soil being reusable, there is no need to reroute waterways and irrigation plans to new fields. This is a great waste of water that is entirely avoided with organic cotton. Also, natural seeds require less water to grow than GMO seeds. And, without the need for harsh chemicals, there is no energy put into the creation of fertilizers for the soil. 

Decomposition

Lastly, organic cotton is biodegradable. So, when the clothes have ran their course of life, they will biodegrade back into the soil of the earth. It only takes about half a year for organic cotton to decompose!

Check out our newest arrivals to swap out your cotton pieces for organic cotton ones. Thanks for reading!