If you think cotton is a
safe choice because it is 'natural', think again.
Until about 50
years ago, cotton-growing mainly involved sustainable techniques: it
did not permanently deplete resources or create a health hazard.
Today, however, the pesticides used on 'conventional' cotton
increasingly threaten people, wildlife and the environment. Most
pesticides were originally developed as toxic nerve agents during
WWII and it is no wonder they have been linked to many forms of
cancers.
Crop Duster Plane Spraying Insecticidal Dust Over Vast
Fields.
Conventionally-grown cotton
occupies only 3% of the world's farmland, but uses 25% of the
world's chemical pesticides that cause devastation to our land,
air, water and the health of people living in conventional cotton-growing
areas. The simple act of growing and harvesting the one pound of
cotton fiber needed to make a T-shirt takes an enormous toll.
When cotton is grown organically, it is done without the use of
chemicals or harmful pesticides. Sustainable and organic growing
methods support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, improving the
quality of the soil, using less water and helping to prevent
groundwater pollution.
Once cotton is spun and
knit into a garment, conventional products are often subjected to
toxic dyes that are cheaper to produce, nickel-containing metals,
and other chemical finishes. Dioxin, a bi-product of bleach, is used
to whiten conventional clothing, and formaldehyde is used keep it
looking nice in stores. These chemicals outgas and are absorbed
into a persons skin and respiratory system.
Organic cotton does not use chemicals in growing or processing
and is the healthiest solution for the planet's ecosystem and the
health of our speesees.
A year 2000 USDA study revealed that eighty-four million pounds of
pesticides were sprayed on cotton in the U.S.A, ranking it second
behind corn. Some of these toxic chemicals include the infamous
defoliant Paraquat and insecticides like Parathion which is 60 times
more toxic that DDT! In fact,
the EPA considers 7 of the
top 15 pesticides used on cotton as "likely" or "known" human
carcinogens.
Ironically, it is estimated that less than 10% of the chemicals
applied to cotton accomplish their task, the rest are absorbed into
the plant, air, soil, water and eventually, our bodies. Sprayed from
the air, these highly toxic chemicals can drift into surrounding
neighborhoods, poison farm workers, contaminate air, ground and
surface water and cause major eco-system imbalances.
As insects gradually become resistant to pesticides, ever-increasing
amounts are applied to be effective, resulting in massive ecological
disasters and crop failures. These hazardous pesticides also pose an
increasing danger to wildlife. A 1993 EPA study estimated
that 'one to two
million' birds are killed annually
by carbofuran, just one
insecticide used on cotton! This is only one of many tragic effects
on our wildlife.
It doesn't end there.
Conventional cotton
is also a major user of toxic herbicides, fungicides and
defoliants. During processing, it is subjected to chlorine
bleach, heavy metal dyes and formaldehyde resins (the hidden
hazard of 'easy care treatments'). The bleach is almost
worse than pesticides, causing myriad health problems and
vast environmental damage.
Additionally, genetically modified cotton now accounts for
75% of cotton grown conventionally. It is no comfort that
cotton is also a food crop: cottonseed oil is used in many
processed and snack foods and cottonseed is used in cattle
feed.
Organic cotton is grown
using methods and materials that have a low impact on the
environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil
fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and
fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party
certification organizations verify that organic producers use only
methods and materials allowed in organic production.*
How is organic cotton better?
Organic cotton represents a return to safe and sustainable
practices. It is grown with natural fertilizers and is free
from toxic chemicals.
Organic farmers rely on crop rotation to replenish and
maintain soil fertility. Mechanical cultivation and
botanical or biological means are used to control pests and
weeds.
A field must be pesticide-free for at least three years to
be certified organic, and the cotton must be processed
according to international organic standards.
Hand-Harvesting
The standards
also set strict guidelines for transportation and storage to avoid cross-contamination.
In the U.S., cotton labelled as organic has to be certified by an
independent agency recognized by the USDA's National Organic Program.
Some of the
benefits of organic cotton are:
Manual farming and
organic practices have a lower carbon footprint as the
entire process consumes less fuel and energy and emits fewer
greenhouse gases.
Not from
genetically modified cottonseed.
Grown with natural
rather than synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, no
chemical defoliants used.
Eco-friendly
processing that does not compromise workers' health and
helps reduce water and electric use and toxic runoff, e.g.
non-chlorine bleach, silicon-free softeners and low impact,
azo-free dyes.
Strict testing
ensures the absence of contaminants like nickel, lead,
formaldehyde, amines, pesticides and heavy metals.
People with
allergies and chemical sensitivity especially benefit from
organic cotton clothing, as conventional cotton may retain
harmful toxic residues. Even if you don't have sensitive
skin, organic cotton will just feel better against your skin.
Organic Farming Has
Social And Human Benefits Too
Conventional farming
endangers farm workers and their families. There are innumerable
cases of serious pesticide-related health problems, including birth
defects, long-term memory loss, paralysis and death. Unprotected
storage, improper application methods and lack of proper handling is
not uncommon, and often leads to tragic accidents.
As pests develop
resistance, farmers desperate to keep up yields often resort
to more and more applications of expensive pesticides. The
chemical treadmill leaves them heavily in debt, and caught
in a vicious circle. Facing barren, devastated fields and
contaminated water, many small farmers have been forced to
abandon their livelihood altogether.
Organic farming, on the other hand, is not only safer and
healthier for farmers, but also encourages just economic
systems in the supply chain. It provides an economically
viable and socially acceptable alternative to large-scale
farming and dependence on subsidies.
Farmers'
Families Benefit From Organic Practices
Q: Isn't your
organic cotton clothing more expensive and therefore
unaffordable for some
A: Not at all!
While we are not trying to be #1 when you google 'cheap',
our tees start around an affordable $12. A great value,
especially if you consider that our good quality makes it
look better and last longer. We aim to build a trusted brand
name rather than an exclusive designer label with a padded
price-tag. In fact, as per fair trade criteria, a more
significant percentage of your dollar goes to workers' wages.
We offer it with pride, so you can wear it with pride- and
make a real statement with your choice.
Remember, just by buying one organic cotton tee you can have
the satisfaction of knowing that you saved 4 oz. of
dangerous, concentrated pesticides from entering our
environment.
A: Environmental
changes affect each one of us. Organic farming could be a
powerful ally in the race against global warming, not only
as it consumes fewer resources to start, it is actually a
powerful natural tool for carbon sequestering.
Conversely, on a small planet, we are all affected to some
extent by the production and application of pesticides and
poisons! You are closer than you think to the farms,
chemical factories and waste treatment facilities that
handle toxic chemicals used on your tee-shirt. By spending
on organic products, you are using your consumer power
wisely and adding your voice to the environmental movement.
On a purely personal level, even if you don't suffer from
chemical allergies and sensitivities, you will most
definitely feel better wearing pure, organic cotton against
your skin.
Q: I understand the
benefits of organic food - but why should I buy organic
clothing?
Q: Is 'green' or
'natural' cotton the same as organic cotton?
A: In the US, 'green'
cotton usually refers to cotton that is not bleached, dyed
or chemically treated during processing. However, it is
grown conventionally, and falls short of organic. Unlike the
use of the word 'organic' in labeling, neither of these
terms are regulated or certified, so they may not always
have a consistent meaning.
A: Natural and
recycled fabrics using low-impact processing contribute to
healthy eco-systems. Here are some other options to consider
if you care about the environment (and already own several
of our 100% organic cotton tees!).
• Hemp is a
very durable fiber, and usually grows without the
use of pesticides, herbicides or chemical
fertilizers. Hemp cultivation does not exhaust, but
rather continuously fertilizes the soil by shedding
its leaves throughout its growing period, returning
nutrients to the soil. It is also naturally UV
resistant and highly breathable. Hemp paper also
provides a wonderful alternative to tree produced
paper. Some hemp clothing can be rough- so try it on
first.
• Lyocell
or TencelTM and ModalTM are both eco-friendly rayon
fabrics. 100% biodegradable, durable and easy care,
they are made from cellulose extracted from trees
using a non-toxic, chemical-free process. TencelTM
easily replicates the look of silk or suede and
ModalTM has properties similar to cotton.
• Linen is
a fiber derived from the stem of the flax plant. It
is hand-washable and comfortable in warm weather as
it wicks moisture away from the body.
• EcoSpun®
is a fiber derived from the stem of the flax plant.
It is hand-washable and comfortable in warm weather
as it wicks moisture away from the body.
Q: What are
other environmentally friendly alternatives for clothing and
fibers?
Q: What's wrong
with synthetic clothing?
A: As you are aware,
all synthetic fabrics are manufactured from petroleum
derivatives.
Though generally cheap due to artificially maintained low
petroleum prices, the actual cost of acquiring, transporting
refining and manufacturing fabrics is seldom assessed. If
you consider the amount of pollution, water and energy it
involves, manufacturing synthetics will continue to place a
great burden on our well-being and the environment at least
until clean energy sources are used for production.
Clothing made of polyester and acrylic may give off toxic
vapors, especially when new. They tend to emit static
electricity and trap perspiration and also contain chemicals
that can be breathed in or absorbed through the skin. While
you will certainly feel better wearing natural fabric next
to your skin, consider outer-wear from recycled plastics
like Eco Fleece.
A: Organic farming
appears less lucrative, only because the long-term damage of
conventional farming is not quantified or taken into account.
For instance, the millions spent to treat toxic residues can
be saved if the problem wasn't created in the first place.
Unfortunately, organic cotton gets little support from
markets and financial institutions because it is considered
more expensive. Over time, however, organic farms are more
productive as the soil in is richer and more resistant to
disease while the other is stressed and sterile due to
chemical applications.
The difference in cost may remain, however, as organic
producers have to pay for third-party certification whereas
conventional farms often get subsidized chemicals and
pesticides which off-sets costs.
In conclusion, we may end up paying more for organic
products, but the pay-back is tremendous: better health for
people, the planet and all her creatures.
Q: With labor-intensive
farming techniques, won't organic farming remain a more
expensive alternative?
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Petaluma, CA 94954 Tel. (707) 762-2280 /
Toll free (800) 680-0123
