Why organic cotton?
Cotton is a product that we all use every single day – the clothes we wear, the sheets we sleep on, the nappies on our babies and even some of the food that we eat (some food is partly made up of cotton!). Cotton is one of the most commonly used fabrics in the world. Conventional cotton, also known as common cotton, requires an enormous amount of chemicals, water and energy for its production and this is unhealthy for us as individuals and the environment. Organic cotton farming however, helps protect our health as well as the environment.
5 reasons why we should all be choosing organic cotton –
1. Protect them whilst they are young
Babies and children are at higher risk of being affected by the pesticides used on conventional cotton. A baby’s skin is significantly thinner and more sensitive than an adults skin. By choosing organic cotton we can reduce their contact with these harmful pesticides. Moreover, when a baby is sleeping, with organic cotton they will not breathe in all those chemicals that were sprayed on the cotton in its growing cycle. Also, organic cotton doesn’t smell from those nasty chemicals like the conventional cotton does.
2. Reduce our eco-footprint
Conventional cotton is grown on 2.5% of the world’s cultivated land. In turn, it uses 16% of the world’s insecticides and around 7% of pesticides – more than any other crop! Chemicals used in the processing of cotton pollute the planet – land, air, and water are affected by this. Amazingly, organic cotton uses around 70% less water and 60% less energy in the whole process compared to common cotton – what a massive difference that is to our planet!
3. It’s all about the farmer
Growing organic cotton keeps the farmers and their families safe and healthy. The use of chemicals while growing conventional cotton creates exposure to the hazardous materials in the field and through water and food. Consistent exposure to those pesticides and insecticides can be harmful, and many farmers around the world end up getting sick – some have even lost their lives due to this exposure.
4. Healthier all round
Most people are unaware of the fact that the cotton seed is used in the food industry. Oil extracted from the cotton seed is used in vegetable oil, cookies and other foods we consume daily. When using seeds that come from organically grown plants, we prevent those chemicals from going into our body – everyone’s a winner!
5. Help make a difference
By choosing organic cotton, you help make the world a better place; for you, the generation before and after. You can help people live healthier lives and help create a growth in the demand for organic products. This in turn will help lower the prices of such products. You can help preserve this lovely world that we live in for the next generations to come. Organic cotton makes about 1% of all cotton grown worldwide. By choosing organic, you influence more manufacturers and farmers to move to organic.
Where possible, choose organic cotton and help us create a better world to live in now and for the future!