Have you gone organic or are you still using traditional cotton?
Do you know how much cotton is required for your garments? Do you know what organic cotton is and how it differs from conventional cotton?
It seems that when it comes to food, such as organic bananas, we all start to pay a little more attention to the differences. However, when it comes to clothes and shoes, the benefits are less obvious. But they are there, and we'll tell you why!
1. WHAT IS CONVENTIONAL COTTON
I'm sure if you look at any of the labels on your jumper you'll find phrases like "natural, 100% cotton", and that's right, cotton is a plant and therefore natural. So far so good, right?
What is not so clear, is just how eco-friendly these are, and if they are good for your skin or not.
Conventional, traditional or natural cotton crops consume 25% of the world's insecticides and 10% of its pesticides. So, just how natural is it? These toxins have a harmful effect on the land itself, on the groundwater, on farmers and on the whole cycle, including the final product.
But to what extent can a natural fiber be harmful?
The UN estimates that more than 28,000 farmers die each year in cotton fields because of high toxicity in some of the products used. That’s crazy! What's more, conventional cotton is whitened using toxic compounds and heavy metal particles that end up affecting fashion workers too.
2. WHAT IS ORGANIC COTTON
Seeing the situation and the high contamination caused by traditional cotton we must take action. What can we do? This is where a responsible and sustainable alternative comes in: organic cotton.
In organic cotton cultivation no insecticides, pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used, the natural cycles of the soil are supported and no toxic substances are used. In fact, a clear example is shown by the Soil Association which says it only uses 243 litres to produce a jumper, compared to the 2,500 litres required to make a jumper from conventional cotton. Sounds like a good option right?
And what does it take for a product to be considered organic? It must contain at least 70% certified organic fibres and also meet strict production, environmental, social and technical requirements, ensuring compliance throughout the product's production, manufacturing and marketing chain.
Start looking at the labels!
3. ADVANTAGES
The first and the most important is the reduction of pesticides and chemicals, bringing greater benefits to consumers' skin. Pay attention because we're going to look at some benefits of organic cotton and what the main differences are with conventional cotton:
1. It keeps the skin healthy: you avoid exposing your skin to harmful substances and thus reduce the possible appearance of allergic reactions.
2. It collaborates with the environment: By not using chemicals, artificial fertilizers or pesticides, we help to keep the soil naturally healthy. You contribute to minimizing the impact on the environment and improving the quality of life of the workers.
3. It is softer than conventional: This type of fabric is softer, lighter and more pleasant, allowing the skin to breathe.
4. Beneficial for farmers: Farmers, producers, and textile workers often present symptoms associated with allergies or skin rashes due to the chemicals in traditional cotton.
So, will you join the organic cotton movement? Share your fave organic outfits with us on Instagram at @clovereedmarket or use the hashtag #clovereedgreen to be featured on our page!