Organic cotton clothing and household items are appearing in catalogs, department stores and even discount stores. Organic cotton often comes with a higher price tag but no real explanation as to the benefits of organic cotton over conventionally grown cotton clothing. Like conventional cotton, organic cotton may be made into woven or knit fabrics and can be dyed any color you like. Safe and effective processing techniques allow organically grown and produced cotton to be made into a variety of garments.
Function
Cotton clothing is comfortable, breathable and washable; however, conventionally grown cotton comes with a substantial environmental price tag. Cotton is used to make all sorts of clothing. Your T-shirt and jeans are both primarily cotton, as are your socks and underwear. Skirts, dresses and dress shirts are all commonly made of cotton, as is most clothing for babies and children.
Significance
Cotton is grown on approximately 3 percent of the world's farmland, yet it uses 25 percent of the world's chemicals, reports HaeNow.com. These chemicals, including pesticides, fertilizers and insecticides pose a risk to the entire eco-system. Seven of the 15 most common pesticides and insecticides used on cotton are rated as likely, probable or known carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency. The World Health Organization estimates that 20,000 people die each year in developing countries from pesticide poisoning, with many of these related to cotton farming, according to TreeHugger.com.
Processing
More chemicals come into play when conventional cotton is cleaned, spun, dyed and turned from a raw material into a piece of cloth. Silicone waxes, petroleum scours, ammonia, chlorine bleach, heavy metal dyes and formaldehyde resins may all be used during processing. Chlorine bleach alone poses substantial environmental risk, according to HaeNow.com. Organic cotton is processed with less risk to the workers or surrounding environment.
Growing Organic
Organically grown cotton does not rely upon chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Soil is maintained and nourished with compost, manure and crop rotation. Manual labor, farm machinery and flame devices are used for weed control, while the introduction of naturally predatory species controls pests, according to TreeHugger.com. Growing organic cotton is safe for the soil, nearby water sources, local animals and the farmer. Like conventionally grown cotton, organic cotton is typically machine-harvested in the United States.
Considerations
HaeNow.com reports that organic cotton is free from the pesticide residues that may be present in conventional cotton, and states that the end fabric is comparatively softer than its conventionally produced counterpart. Increased demand is leading to more and more organic cotton in fields around the world. Today, you can find organic cotton in clothing produced by major manufacturers, such as the Gap, Levi's and L.L. Bean. High-end designers such as Katharine Hamnett have embraced organics, and you'll find organics at outdoor suppliers such as Patagonia.
