gentle on skin and the environment

Conventional agriculture destroys biodiversity and renders the soil barren.
More than 2.3 billion pounds of pesticides are used each year on US farms alone. Unfortunately, pesticide use is steadily increasing, in the US and worldwide. In conventional agriculture, chemical pesticides are used to eliminate all other plants and unwanted insects. This also kills the beneficial micro-organisms that normally bring nutrients to the soil, making it necessary to add synthetic fertilizers. As pests build immunities, the soil becomes stripped of nutrients and the need for more chemicals increases, creating a spiral that eventually leaves land barren and unable to grow.

Organic farming brings balance to the field and strength to the plant.
The philosophy of organic farming is about bringing life to the soil, and managing the balance of a diverse ecosystem. When left alone, insects and plants in nature keep each other in check by thriving off of one another. Organic farming uses this diversity to its advantage, and keeps fields in balance using natural predators against pests. Without chemical treatments, the plants grow stronger, and are better able to fend for themselves. As a result, organic fruits and vegetables are higher in antioxidants and nutrients, and organic cotton fiber is stronger than conventional cotton.

"All natural fiber" isn't necessarily chemical-free.
The conventional processing of cotton textiles relies heavily on chemicals, many of which are acutely toxic, and classified by the World Health Organization as hazardous. Our groundwater is increasingly polluted by wastewater from textile manufacturing. Traces of these chemicals can remain in fabrics, even after washing. This can cause an array of health problems that affect the nervous system, respiratory system and the skin, including; head-aches, dizziness, and irritations to the eyes, nose and throat, as well as difficulties with sleep, concentration and memory. Some chemicals are stored and collected in the body, called bioaccumulation. These chemicals attack and weaken the immune system.

Pesticides used on conventional cotton end up in our food.
During ginning, the cotton plant is separated to utilize its different parts. Cottonseed oil is commonly found in snack foods like potato chips and cookies. And the cottonseeds themselves, high in protein, are used to feed beef and dairy cattle. Fortunately, organic cottonseed is being sent to organic dairy farms as feed. So when you purchase organic cotton, you are also helping to provide the much needed chemical-free seed to organic dairy farmers.

One great way to support change is by the consumer choices you make.

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