Conventionally-grown cotton occupies only 3% of the world's farmland, but uses 25% of the world's chemical pesticides that cause devatation 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 ecosystams, 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 absorbled 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 species.

A year long 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.