Why Buy Organic Clothing?
Organic Agriculture Provides a Safer,
More Sustainable Environment for All of Us
Organic
food and fiber, such as organic cotton, are cultivated and processed without
the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers. According to the National
Organic Standards Board: “Organic agriculture is an ecological production
management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological
cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use
of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain
and enhances ecological harmony”.
Today organic
food symbolizes the highest and freshest quality available. Suppliers
of organic cotton are not far behind. We have to see beyond the clothes
themselves and look to the landscapes –the air, water, soil, and
wilderness- where the real differences can be made.
For all these reasons and because cotton is also linked indirectly to
our food supply, we can easily understand why Organic farming techniques
and specifically organic cotton- are inherently better for our health,
the environment and for future generations to come.
Conventional Cotton Harms the Environment
Cotton
is the world’s most popular fiber, and though commonly portrayed
as natural, cotton is the most heavily sprayed crop in the world. The
chemicals used on conventional cotton are among the most toxic substances
used in farming. This highly toxic process contaminates soil, air, wildlife,
groundwater – and ultimately our drinking water.
In
the United States, over 80 million pounds of chemicals are used each year
on conventional cotton crops. In addition to fungicides, herbicides,
fumigants, and chemical fertilizers, farmers may apply as many as 10 pesticide
treatments during a growing season. One pound of conventional cotton has
been sprayed with an average of 1 1/4 pounds of pesticide. Seven of the
top fifteen pesticides used on cotton crops in the USA have been classified
by the EPA as probable human carcinogens.
Pesticides Used in Conventional Cotton
Farming
Can Enter the Human Food Chain
Cotton is grown
primarily for its fiber and it is regulated as a non-food crop. However,
fiber isn’t the only part of the cotton that is harvested. Cotton
is comprised of 40% fiber and 60% seed by weight. Once separated in the
gin, the fibers go to textile mills, while the seed, cotton straw, and
waste from the cotton gins find their way untreated into the feed of dairy
cows and beef cattle. Cottonseed, which is rich in oil and high in protein,
is commonly found in cookies, potato chips and processed foods. In other
words, toxic pesticides used in traditionally grown cotton end up in our
food on a daily basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Organic Fabric and Clothing
What are Low Impact Dyes?
Low
impact dyes are those that have the lowest impact on the environment.
They reduce water and electricity consumption and they discharge considerably
less toxic runoff into the waste stream. Fiber reactive dyes are
those of the highest quality and they are the most ecologically friendly
dyes available. They offer richer and brighter colors than conventional
dyeing practices.
What is Hemp?
Hemp
is one of the most eco-friendly fibers on earth. It can grow organically
and does not exhaust the soil. It enables sustainability by leaving
the soil in excellent condition for any succeeding crop(s). It’s
a very durable fiber. It’s also UV resistant, highly breathable,
absorbs moisture and is fast drying.
What is Soy Fabric?
Soybean
Protein Fiber (SPF) is the only botanical protein fiber in the world. SPF is extracted from the soybean cake. SPF has a good affinity
to the human body’s skin and it possesses many kinds of amino acids,
which makes it a good protection for our health. Soy fabrics have
excellent antibacterial properties, outstanding comfort and an incredibly
silky feel.
Why Bamboo?
Bamboo
is nature’s most sustainable resource. It is grown without pesticides
or chemicals, is 100% biodegradable and is naturally regenerative. Bamboo
used for fabric is planted and grown on family owned farms. None
of the fiber comes from tropical forest. Bamboo fabric is naturally
anti-microbial, hypoallergenic and thermal regulating. It has an
excellent drape and a wonderful silky-cashmere feel.
Are Your Garments Made in the USA?
Presently,
all our garments and accessories are proudly made in the USA. We support
the Fair Trade and Sweatshop-Free Philosophy for a sustainable living.
Our goal is to offer the highest quality products that are made
by fairly paid workers whether manufactured in the USA or elsewhere.
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