At least once a week we get an email asking the same question: why is organic cotton better than conventional cotton?
To address this common query we’re going to lay out the facts.
Just the facts.
Afterwards, you can make your own decision whether to choose organic cotton or non-organic cotton.
We choose organic at Whole People.
Safe For Your Skin And Feels Much Better
The most important factor for most people in choosing sheets or towels is comfort.
Organic cotton towels or sheets feel demonstrably better than their non-organic counterparts.
You can feel the difference! Organic towels and sheets are soft and luxurious.
They’re softer because they retain their natural properties much longer than conventional cotton.
Additionally, most organic cotton is hypoallergenic and is safe for anyone with ashtma or chemical sensitivities. [source: EPA]
They are a much better choice for people with allergies, rashes or respitory problems.
The bottom line is that organic cotton is one of the most skin-friendly natural fibres on the market.
Organic Cotton Is Better Quality
Organic cotton is commonly used to make products like premium cotton, towels, bed linens and clothing.
Conventional cotton is treated with harsh, toxic chemicals to extend it’s lifespan. [source: Greenpeace]
This process, however, only serves to erode the natural, protective qualities of the cotton.
Organic cotton production, on the other hand, allows the cotton fibers to retain their natural strength and durability.
Plus, organic cotton typically has longer fibers so there’s fewer joins in spinning yarns.
This results in stronger, smoother and more efficient cotton threads.
With more people tuning in to the benefits of organic cotton, the demand for organic cotton products keeps growing.
We love it when sustainable lifestyle choices are popular.
It’s The Eco-Friendly Sustainable Choice
Traditional cotton is contaminated with toxic chemicals from an array of fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides.
It’s the most pesticide-dependant crop in the world.
These poisonous toxins wreak havoc on the soil and contaminate water supplies.
The EPA has released a study that reveals that 7 of the top 15 pesticides used in cotton production in the United States have “possible”, “likely,” “probable,” or “known” carcinogens. [source: EPA]
These cancer-causing toxins include acephate, dichloropropene, diuron, fluometuron, pendimethalin, tribufos, and trifluralin.
According to the Organic Trade Association cotton is the dirtiest crop in the world. [source: OTA]
It’s clear that organic cotton is better for the earth and our shared water resources.
Organic Cotton Uses Significantly Less Water
To produce 1 kg of organic cotton you need 7000 litres (1849 gallons) of water.
In comparison, conventional cotton uses 29000 litres (7660 gallons) of water for that same 1 kg of cotton material.
To make matters worse, non-organic cotton is produced on large swaths of land where the cultivation process damages the local water table and can cause drought.
Traditional organic processing methods also result in an enormous amount of toxic wastewater that carries harmful residues from the cleaning, dyeing and finishing of the material.
This wastewater has the potential to deplete the oxygen levels in the water, kill aquatic animals and disrupt aquatic ecosystems. [source: Science Direct]
When it comes to taking care of the planet organic cotton is the ONLY choice.
Supports Organic Farmers Livelihood and Health
Conventional cotton farming uses 25% of the total insecticides used globally.
The toxic chemicals pose serious health issues for cotton farmers and their families.
Organic cotton uses no perticides or insecticides.
Farmers use composted manures and cover-crops to replace synthetic fertilizers. Innovative weeding strategies are used instead of herbicides. Beneficial insects and trap-crops are used to control pests. Nature’s frost and water inducement prepare plants for harvest, instead of using toxic defoliants.
Another benefit to organic cotton is improved conditions and lives of the cotton farmers.
The non-organic cotton industry has traditionally treated workers unfairly while exposing them to chemicals that cause illness and death.
300 million farmers in 80 countries rely on the cotton industry for their livelihoods. [source: The Guardian]
Our buying decisions can make real change happen.
We hope you’ve found the necessary information to make an informed decision for you and your family. It’s up to you to choose between organic cotton and non-organic cotton.
Here at Whole People, the choice is clear. We choose organic towels. Every time.