Why should you buy organic clothing?
31 January 2009As the awareness for global warming spreads, many people are now trying to live a ‘greener’ lifestyle People are now opting to eat more organic foods and try to make use of renewable energy sources. But eating organic food isn’t the only way we can participate in saving the environment Unknown to most people, even the way we choose to dress can leave a huge impact on the environment.
Clothing that is made from materials that are raised or grown without the use of chemicals in the form of pesticides - herbicides or other chemicals is known as organic clothing Its main material, cotton, is grown completely naturally in farms the same way cotton has been grown for hundreds of years before the advent of chemicals like pesticides began.
Oragnic cotton is more expensive to produce than conventional cotton, even if it has less environmental impact Side-effects of conventional production that are avoided in organic growing methods include:
High levels of agrochemicals are used in the production of non-organic, conventional cotton Conventional cotton accounts for nearly 25% of the insecticides and 10% of the pesticides used in the world, though is it grown on only 3% of the total cultivated area. Convetional cotton is ranked as the fourth most heavily-fertilized crop because of this excessive usage of chemicals
The chemicals used in the processing of cotton pollute the air and surface waters. Eco-friendly farmers try to find different ways to lessen the amount of harmful chemicals they put into the ground, as these chemicals mix into the soil This will eventually affect vegetation and animal life through many years to come. These chemicals may also seep into natural fresh water deep underground and contaminate it. Instead of using synthetic fertilizers which messes up the soil’s PH balance, many farmers are returning to using natural composting Pesticides can throw off the food chain and affect larger animals, so organic farmers introduce beneficial insects and predators, as well as setting up insect traps to have a specific area for insect control.
Residual chemicals may irritate the skin Since the production of organic clothing involves no chemicals, it causes fewer irritants, making it the perfect textile for infants’ delicate skin and people who are prone to allergies. It is believed to reduce respiratory problems and even gives off a pleasant smell
Organic cotton clothing is much more expensive than non-organic cotton clothing but the price is definitely worth it. Being more breathable than synthetic materials and much durable than conventional cotton, organic clothing wear better than regular clothes
Organic cotton has unique properties that set it apart from synthetic cottons found on most major retailers. The colour brown, for instance, darkens slightly during the first three washings Since organic cotton is not stripped of its natural wax by chemicals, most weaves have a unique smoothness and weight which makes the fabric particularly flattering. Organic cotton can be dyed using natural dyes as well Aside from being eco-friendly and beneficial to health, organic clothing is a beautiful and stylish material.
If buying organic appeals to you, there are now many specialist retailers online that supply ethical clothing and fairtrade clothing and brands such as kuyichi are now leading the way.