ORGANIC COTTON FACTS & BENEFITS

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By Contributing Editor
Will Johnston

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Worldwide production of organic cotton increased more than 150% between 2007 and 2008. Here in the United States, 73% more organic cotton was grown in 2007, the most recent year data was compiled. National sales figures show more and more consumers buying cotton linens and clothing.

Perhaps your personal experience verifies these numbers. I’ve certainly seen many of my friends showing off their organic clothing, but my perspective is fairly narrow as a yoga teacher in a generously liberal city. Even if you live in a less organically-minded city, you’ll agree that organic fibers and clothing are likely to become even more popular thanks to the $20 billion set aside for creating green jobs in the recently passed stimulus package.

Here are the top five reasons why organic cotton is better for healthy people and a healthy planet:

1) Organic cotton requires no pesticides.

Although conventional cotton accounts for only 3% of farmed area, it sucks up 25% of the world’s pesticides. That’s because lots of different pests are attracted to cotton. Millions of pounds of pesticides are sprayed on conventional cotton crops every year. Farm workers who are exposed to pesticides suffer higher incidence of ailments including birth defects, long-term memory loss, paralysis, and even death. That’s not surprising when one considers that the EPA considers 7 of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton as “likely” or “known” human carcinogens.

The move toward organic cotton is even smarter when one considers that conventional cotton farming requires more and stronger pesticides over time, since insects become immune to earlier formulas.

2) Organic cotton is better for wildlife.

The reduced use of pesticides makes the nearby land friendlier for wildlife. Organic cotton farmers use methods such as crop rotation, natural fertilization, and the release of beneficial insects to keep their plants healthy and control pests. This results in fewer carcinogenic chemicals in nearby streams and rivers. Plants bloom. Trees sigh in relief. And small woodland birds chirp their gratitude. Or at least that’s the picture that will float into your mind every time you slip on your softest organic shirt.

In all seriousness, the methods of conventional cotton are often devastating to the environment. It is estimated that 1-2 million birds are killed annually by just one of the chemicals used on conventional cotton.

3) Organic cotton is healthier for you.

Introductory Economics classes often ask students to consider the true cost of any product, not just the ticket price. The truest price of a service or product is what it will cost society over the long-term. In this sense, organic cotton is actually priced more realistically than real cotton, which enjoys artificially low prices due to its dependence on subsidized oil-based products and methods.

The pernicious and costly long-term health impacts of conventional cotton farming are easy to predict when one considers that the process used to treat conventional cottons employs chlorine bleach, heavy metal dyes, and formaldehyde resins. Organic cottons are tested specifically for these materials. If you don’t want such strong chemicals near your skin, buy organic cotton.

Individuals with sensitive skin will immediately notice a difference in how their skin feels against organic cotton.

The bottom line: organic cotton is healthier for you and the earth. So, when possible, be willing to pay a few extra dollars for softer, safer, greener organic cotton.

Top photo by flydime. Click here to see Make and Grow's full line of organic cotton products.

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