Organic Cotton Fabric Shop

What’s different about organic cotton?

No toxic chemicals are used in the processing and manufacturing of organic cotton products. It is produced on farms where no synthetic chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers have been used for at least three years.

Why buy organic cotton?

It’s good for your health - and the health of those who farm it.

The human body is like a sponge; it soaks up chemicals through the lungs, the skin and the digestive system.  Once chemicals have entered the body they are absorbed into the blood stream where they circulate and can affect the whole body.

As much as 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bodies.  Children are more at risk because their skin is 5 times thinner.

Evidence is strong and growing that chemical exposure contributes significantly to the rise in many chronic diseases.  A new synthesis of peer-reviewed science entitled " The Health Case for Reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act ," documents the enormous health care costs of treating cancer, learning and developmental disabilities, asthma and other diseases and conditions linked to chemical exposure.

You spend one-third of your life in bed.  Make sure you spend that time healthily.

Sleep in organic sheets and avoid exposing your body to constant low levels of unnecessary chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate, parabens, chemical dyes and formaldehyde (used to create “wrinkle-free” cotton), which can cause rashes, asthma etc.  Organic cotton reduces health risks especially for those with allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivities.
Sleep well knowing that your purchases have not caused farm or factory workers undue exposure to chemicals.
 


Proprietor Abby Killey visiting and learning about organic cotton in Peru.

It’s good for the environment.

The term “organic” describes the products of agriculture that use no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Organic methods consider the whole ecosystem and use natural techniques to assist plant growth, repel pests and protect and encourage wildlife habitats. Instead of using agricultural pesticides, beneficial organisms such as parasites and natural enemies are used

Organic cotton is cotton that has been grown without chemical pesticides, defoliants or synthetic fertilizers.  Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment.  Fertilizers that are used include compost, manure, and naturally derived mineral and plant fertilizers. Crop rotation is used to ensure healthy soil and provide diversity.

The sustainable practices used to grow organic cotton do not pollute groundwater, surface water, soil or air.  In fact, soil quality is actually improved by the production of organic cotton. Organic cultivation practices use less water than “conventional” methods.

It’s good stuff!

Organic cotton has denser fibers and produces cloth that is beautifully soft, more durable and holds its shape better - even when washed repeatedly.

Facts about conventional cotton:

Conventional cotton is the world’s most sprayed crop.  Though only 5% of the world’s agricultural land is used for cotton, conventional cotton uses nearly 25% of all insecticides and 10% of all the pesticides applied to agricultural crops. More than two billion pounds of synthetic fertilizers and 84 million pounds of pesticides per year are used to produce conventional cotton.  One cotton tee shirt literally represents a handful of chemicals.  These chemicals find their way through the soil and into waterways. Additional chemicals are added to various processing steps.  Chemical residuals remain in the cotton all the way through processing and into your clothes and sheets. Much of the excessive water used on conventional cotton is associated with the application of chemicals. A large percentage of conventional cotton involves the use of genetically modified organisms (GMO).  Research has not concluded that these GMO products are not harmful to ecosystems or human health. 

Cottonseed is made into cottonseed oil that is used in many common and snack foods. Cottonseed is also widely used as food for livestock.  Toxic chemicals used on conventional cotton thus pass into the food chain.

Organic Standards and Certification

All fabric sold at the Organic Cotton Fabric Shop is 100% Certified Organic Cotton. Though certification does add to the cost, we feel that it adds to our sense of confidence in the products.

“Certified Organic" means the item has been grown according to strict uniform standards that are verified by independent state or private organizations. Certification includes inspections of farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping, and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers and handlers are meeting the standards that have been set.

Why does organic cost more?

As demand for organic cotton grows, the cost will come down. 

Organic farmers don’t receive federal subsidies like conventional farmers do.   The price of organic cotton reflects the true cost of growing.

Organic farming is more labor and management intensive.

Organic farms are usually smaller than conventional farms and so do not benefit from the economies of scale that larger growers can.

DEMAND ORGANIC COTTON!
_________________________________________________________