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What is Organic Cotton?- Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Organic cotton is also 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 must verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production.
- Federal regulations prohibit the use of genetically engineered seed for organic farming.
- All cotton sold as organic in the United States must meet strict federal regulations covering how the cotton is grown. The most common standards used in the US are the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS).
Downsides of Conventional Cotton- Conventional cotton requires large amounts of pesticides to grow, and is one of the largest consumers or insecticides globally (~25% of global insecticide use is due to conventional cotton).
- Five of the top nine pesticides used on cotton in the U.S.: cyanide, dicofol, naled, propargite and trifluralin are known cancer-causing chemicals.
- One conventional cotton T-shirt requires up to 1/3 pound of pesticides to make.
- Synthetic, toxic and/or dangerous chemicals and dyes are often used for coloring and finishing conventional cotton.
- Certain conventional cotton industry practices, such as crop subsidies, monoculture, chemical dumping, poor natural resource management, child labor use, and garment sweatshops reinforce cycles of poverty and harm the environment in cotton-growing regions of the world. Organically grown cotton does not permit such practices.
Benefits of Organic Cotton- Softer than conventional cotton.
- Produced without toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
- Sustainable.
- Breathable.
- Durable, long-lasting.
- Absorbs and wicks moisture away from the skin.
What is Certified Organic Cotton?
Certified Organic Cotton is cotton that meets international and federal (for US) standards such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). In the United States, GOTS standard is the most rigorous and current gold standard. A third-party organization (see list at Organic Exchange) must assess compliance for certification.
For more information, visit our blog page on Organic Cotton and Certified Organic Cotton. |
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