In a previous post, “Clean Wear© - Join the Revolution!,” we examined some of the differences and benefits of using organic cotton vs. conventional cotton. Due to the constraints of space when publishing a blog post, we were unable to go into much detail regarding many of the specific – and potentially harmful – differences between conventional cotton and the organic type used to produce Simply Chickie clothing.
Today, instead of offering non-specific generalities, we would like to present you with a number of facts about both the potentially harmful, and actually harmful, effects of growing regular cotton; as well as the possible negative side effects of using cotton to produce a variety of personal products and clothing.
Our thanks go to RawGanique.com for putting this valuable information together in such a clear and easy to understand format.
Conventional Cotton Growing Facts:
- Conventional cotton fabric is processed with chlorine bleach. Hydrogen Peroxide and formaldehyde are also applied in the processing of the fabrics.
- Dioxin is a carcinogen that is derived from chlorine bleach and is responsible for hormone disruption.
- The dyeing process of conventional cotton fabrics uses heavy metals that are harmful carcinogens.
- Conventional cotton production accounts for more than 10% of pesticide used and nearly 23% of agricultural insecticide sales.
- It takes one-quarter of a pound of chemicals to produce one conventional cotton T-shirt, and one-quarter of a pound of chemicals to produce 2 pairs of conventional men's boxer shorts.
- Cotton pesticides can enter the human food chain via cotton seed oil used in processed foods. The meat and dairy products from cows fed cottonseed meal, trash from cotton gins and cotton straw may also contain pesticides that were applied to cotton.
- Contamination of ground water is directly linked to pesticide & fertilizer used on cotton crops. Nitrates found in these fertilizers are found to cause "blue baby syndrome" in infants.
- Use of chemicals in processing weakens the fibers and therefore conventional cotton products wear out faster than organic cotton ones.
- Conventional cotton growing is heavily subsidized by public funds, hence the deceptively low price of conventional cotton, but at what cost? The toll on the environment is not reflected in conventional cotton prices.
Because organic agriculture doesn't use toxic and persistent pesticides, choosing organic products is an easy way to help protect yourself.
Organic Cotton Growing Facts:
- Organic cotton does not use any of the myriad synthetic fertilizers or pesticides on offer today from chemical companies.
- Growing the cotton crop organically leaves a light footprint on the soil, environment, and human health.
- Organic cotton farming does not poison farm workers or their families.
- Organic certification organizations do not allow genetically modified (GMO) fiber to be labeled organic, therefore, our organic cotton products are certified GMO-free.
- Purchasing 2 organic cotton men's boxer briefs will eliminate one-fourth of a pound of chemicals that would be used to produce the same underwear using conventional cotton.
- Buying organic will aid in the reduction of "blue baby syndrome" among infants.
- Organic cotton is stronger because its fibers have not been damaged by harsh chemicals.
- Organic cotton is so soft, pure, cozy, and comfortable. Who needs chemicals?
- Organic cotton farming is not subsidized by the government and needs our support to stay alive. Let's show Mother Earth we care, wear organic cotton, wear hemp.
Organic agriculture protects the health of people and the planet by reducing the overall exposure to toxic chemicals from synthetic pesticides that can end up in the ground, air, water and food supply, and that are associated with health consequences, from asthma, allergies, and increased skin sensitivity to cancer.
Our Favorite Organic Cotton Baby Romper:
For the little baby in your life who just loves to stay awake at night. Our Night Owl baby onesie / romper was designed after we had sleepless nights and wanted a cute romper to make us smile at 2am!
Simply Chickie is a 100% organic clothing line, made is the USA, offering fun, cute, soft organic cotton clothing for babies and toddlers, as well as organic bamboo clothing for women.
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