What Makes Organic Cotton a More Eco-friendly Option?
Are you looking for a more eco-friendly option when it comes to clothing? If so, organic cotton may be just the thing. So let’s find out just how bad regular cotton is for the planet, ready to embrace its all-around kinder sibling — organic cotton!
Let’s look at what makes organic cotton a more environmentally friendly option — you might be surprised at the comparison!
It’s Grown Naturally
We consume fabric and clothing in a hugely unsustainable way, so many people are trying to find more eco-friendly clothes and home furnishings. One less harmful alternative is organic cotton, grown using a natural process. This means no chemicals or pesticides are used, which is far kinder to the environment when compared to the making of regular cotton. Before we get into the virtues of cotton’s organic sister, let’s dive into just how bad regular cotton is to get some perspective.
The Big Difference between Organic and Regular Cotton
Regular cotton has gained a reputation for being the “dirtiest crop” — and for a good reason. There are tonnes of chemicals and pesticides, as well as water and energy, used in growing ordinary cotton. The National Wildlife Federation suggested that growing enough cotton for one t-shirt uses 17 teaspoons of chemical fertilisers and nearly a teaspoon of harmful chemicals.
Conversely, organic cotton uses only natural techniques to grow its crop, which means there is no harm to the environment when making it and no chemicals in the fabric itself. People with sensitive skin or parents looking for organic cotton baby clothes are best off with organic cotton. This eliminates the risk of a skin reaction due to harmful elements still in the fibres.
It’s Better for the Soil (and the Local Community)
Organic cotton can positively impact the planet and its people, too! Because organic cotton doesn’t use harsh chemicals, it allows the soil to thrive naturally. This means that cotton can be grown with less water as the ground is more absorbent. Healthy soil can also store more CO2, making it a majorly good thing for the planet.
This also has a trickle-down effect, as organic cotton stops chemicals that we would otherwise use from getting into local water supplies. This can be devastating for communities. If you see that organic cotton is a GOTS-certified textile, the farmers and harvesters were given a living wage for their work, allowing communities to thrive.
Organic Cotton is More Durable
This is because it’s handpicked. Unlike regular cotton, the fibres remain longer and in good condition — the fabric can survive more use and stay softer, even after multiple washes. Organic cotton baby clothes are definitely the way to go if you’re looking for a soft, sustainable and long-lasting fabric.
