3 reasons for choosing organic cotton vs. regular one

Cotton is a very popular fabric material in the market due to obvious reasons. However, cotton itself comes in two major varieties; conventional (non-organic) and organic. For various reasons, it is always good to select organic cotton over conventional cotton fabric.

What is organic cotton fabric?

Before comparing organic cotton vs conventional cotton, let’s have a look at what is organic cotton fabric. In simplest terms, to produce organic cotton, farmers don’t utilize harmful substances such as toxic pesticides and/or fertilizers. Instead, organic cotton cultivation is associated with natural pesticide strategies and minimizes the environmental impact. Cotton productions that fulfill organic standards are awarded GOTS certificate and that is the most reliable certification to distinguish organic cotton from non-organic in the industry.

 

Organic cotton vs. conventional cotton

Due to various reasons, organic cotton stays ahead of the conventional type. Here are 3 reasons of them.

 

• Organic Cotton is environmental friendly

As a matter of fact, cotton is considered to be among the “dirtiest” crops in the world. Under conventional circumstances, cotton cultivators use enormous amounts of insecticides and pesticides (25% and 10% of world’s usage respectively). These chemicals pollute groundwater, soil and eventually hurt biodiversity. Even the aquatic life can be affected due groundwater contamination.

 

However, in contrary to that, organic cotton cultivations are associated with natural farming strategies where zero groundwater contamination and no toxic substances are utilized. Such cultivation actually poses no threat to nature. Moreover, organic cotton cultivation helps to retain CO2 in the soil; not fossil fuel based fertilizers are utilized during the organic cultivation process.

 

• Organic cotton is good for human health

Cotton cultivated in conventional way has undergone various chemical treatments including dying and bleaching. These chemicals are extremely powerful and the potential residue can be hazardous for humans. Cotton fabric is used to manufacture various everyday items such as clothing, cushion covers, eco-friendly mattresses and many other items. When get contacted with these chemicals, people may experience irritation, allergies, itches and infections. Things can be worse when it comes to children.

 

 

When it comes to organic cotton, however, things are pleasant in terms of health. Since no harmful chemicals, dyes and bleaches are used during the processing, organic cotton is completely safe for the use in the form of everyday materials. Organic cotton buckwheat hull mattress is one good example; even the children can use these mattresses without exposing themselves into harmful chemical residue.

 

buckwheat hull mattress by EcoHealthLab

 

• Organic cotton helps agriculture industry

Conventional farming poses harmful effects on the people (farmers) that are exposed to the chemicals used. The end result of this exposure can be devastating. In fact, the largest portion of the cotton is cultivated in developing countries and the effects of the used chemicals can be even worse therefore. Although not all the chemicals used during the cultivation is lethal, majority of them are powerful enough to cause annoying health condition and even imperfect childbirths.

 

On the other hand, such risky and harmful approaches are eliminated from organic cotton cultivation and therefore it can be a great assistance for farmers to retain in the agricultural industry safely. Apart from that, cultivating organic cotton doesn’t include the purchasing of expensive chemicals; such approach will increase the profit margin of the farmers therefore. By protecting our lands, nature, we help ourselves. We support our health and longevity of our families.

 

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