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Cotton: It's the fabric of our lives—or so says the commercial. When you think about it, though,
Madison Avenue wasn't exaggerating (on this one). For most of us, cotton probably is the most
prevalent fabric in our lives. From the pillows that we wake up on to the towels we wash our
faces with, the oils that some of our snacks are cooked in to the jeans we wear all day, cotton
is threaded through our days and nights. So, if we're buying organic foods, using low- (or no-)
VOC paints, getting rid of toxic chemical cleaners, etc., then why aren't we spending a few extra
dollars to buy organic cotton clothing? And what exactly does organic mean when it comes to cotton?
In the U.S., cotton is treated as a food crop because of the by-products of cottonseed oil and cottonseed meal. Although the technology and cotton farming practices have adapted over the years to minimize pesticide use and increase Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, there is no question that organic cotton farms are treating the earth a whole lot better.
A survey and report done by the International Cotton Advisory Committee in 2009 reports that:
“...U.S. cotton growers care about the environment and are making responsible investments and decisions regarding use of the world’s natural resources. U.S. cotton growers are innovative and dedicated to continually finding ways to increase efficiency and yield. The technological and environmental gains made by cotton growers over the last 10 years are evidence that cotton can effectively meet or exceed the future demands of the world’s growing population while also safeguarding precious natural resources.”
So why go organic?
Conventional cotton is grown from seeds that are typically treated with fungicides or insecticides, and about 70 percent of seeds are genetically modified. All this is before synthetic fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides are used while the plant is growing. Although organic cotton might feel softer or be good for those with sensitive skin or eczema, the greatest impact is on the environment.
Liz Vittori Koch, owner of Hatched, an all-organic children's clothing store in the Boston area, chose to focus on organics for her shop.
"I remember a conversation with a customer in the early days of Hatched (we are 5 this year) discussing what it really meant to buy organic fiber clothing, and why one should do it,” she writes. “After much discussion, we came to the conclusion that it is really a political decision that reached much further than simply feeling that these clothes and products are a 'safer' option (although that is an important factor, too). By purchasing ethically produced, certified-organic clothing, you are supporting companies that support sustainable agriculture, comply with international labor standards and employ manufacturing processes that are not harmful to the environment.
This is the standard for all of the products sold at Hatched; there are no compromises. We know that parents have more than enough to think about…so we do the research for you."
When it comes to style and price, there are so many options out there that your organic clothes don't have to scream "crunchy granola earth lover!"—unless you want them to, of course.
For a taste of the hip, funky and fabulous organic cotton clothing lines, check out the styles from:
Kate Quinn Organics
Positively Organic
Under the Nile
Frenchy Baby Organics
Parade
June Plum
Kee-Ka
Bambooh Brand Organics
Egg Organics
Sama Baby Organics
Or, click on over to our shopping section's Eco-Boutiques page to see what the latest and greatest boutiques have in store for organic-cotton-loving you!
Leah Klein was raised with two clothing rules: 100 cotton and you can't wear white. She wears a combination of standard and organic cotton. She wishes she had more say in her daughter's wardrobe, but has given up trying when the battles began at age 2. The two rules for clothing in our household are: minimize advertising on our clothing and don't try to shop without Isabelle because her list of conditions is more detailed than google maps.
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