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What is organic?
The term organic describes the products of agriculture that use no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Organic methods consider the whole eco system and use natural techniques to assist plant growth, repel pests and protect and encourage wildlife habitats.
What is Organic Cotton?
Organic cotton is a clean, sustainable alternative to conventional cotton. No toxic chemicals are used in processing and manufacturing of organic cotton products.
It is produced by farms where no synthetic chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers have been used for at least three years.
Instead of using agricultural pesticides, beneficial organisms such as parasites and natural enemies (such as ladybirds against aphids) are used for insect management.
Why Natural?
-As much as 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bodies, and children are more at risk as their skin is 5 times thinner
-Avoids exposing the body to constant low levels of unnecessary chemicals e.g. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, parabens, chemical dyes etc
Why Organic?
-Cotton grown naturally has denser fibres producing cloth that is beautifully soft, more durable and holds its shape better - even when washed repeatedly
-Organic cotton saves lives - No pesticides, hazardous chemicals (believed to cause up to a million cases of poisoning a year and 20,000 deaths) - so better for farming communities
-No formaldehyde (used as a finish) which can cause rashes, asthma etc - so better for those with allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivities - and means it smells cleaner too!
-No nickel in the poppers which can cause skin rashes.
Facts about conventional cotton:
Uses 2.03 billion pounds of synthetic fertilizers per year
Uses 25% of the world’s insecticides
Uses 84 million pounds of pesticides per year
Source: Organic Trade Association
Organic Standards
The organic industry is working to ensure that the highest standards are used behind the label "organic." You may be interested to know that the four principal labels for cotton fiber products are:
1. 100% Organic Cotton. This must contain 100% organically produced cotton.
2. Organic Cotton. This must contain 95% organically produced cotton.
3. Made With Organic Cotton. This must contain at least 70% organically produced cotton.
4. Made With __% Organic Cotton. This must contain the percentage of cotton advertised.
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