Organic Cotton Farming Saves Lives...
Abstract: Why should we use organic cotton for our babies, (and our) clothing? This article gives some interesting, and alarming, facts and figures concerned with conventional cotton farming practices - as well as outlining the benefits of organic cotton. If you ever needed a reason to use organic cotton, read the rest of this article!
Author: Lucy Jewson
Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Here are some facts and figures that show the damage that is done by conventional cotton farming to the environment, livestock and humans......
Cotton provides nearly 50% of global fibre needs, and is perceived by most consumers as a "natural" product. Yet it uses nearly 25% of all insecticides applied to agricultural crops, and 11% of all pesticides on some 2.5% of the worlds cropped area.
Problems linked to pesticide use include; reduced soil fertility, frequent water pollution, reduced biodiversity in the surrounding areas and wild animal and livestock poisoning. On top of all that at least 20,000 people in developing countries die every year from poisoning by agricultural pesticides and 3 million suffer acute or reproductive after effects.* Frightening statistics I am sure you will agree!
"Working with, not against," nature is the principle behind organic farming. Grown without pesticides and spun without chemicals, organic cotton farmers rely on organic fertilizers, manual crop rotation and integrated pest management. Organic cotton fields are naturally fertilized, insects are used to naturally control crops, and weeds are removed with hoes, as well as manually. Farms earn the organic label by using soil that has been free of synthetic pesticides for at least three consecutive years. Beneficial insects, natural cattle manure, chilli, garlic, and alfalfa are some of the ingredients used in organic farming.
... organic cotton is best for your baby because ...
The rapidly developing bodies and immature immune systems of babies and children can benefit greatly from pure, organic cotton products.
- Organic cotton feels softer, because the cotton fibres are left intact and not broken down by the chemicals used in the farming and processing conventional cotton.
- Organic cotton smells cleaner because it is not finished with formaldehyde.
- Organic cotton is less likely to trigger allergies through the absence of harmful chemicals and increased breathablity of organic cotton.
... you are providing your baby with the healthiest, softest clothing you could possibly buy!
So, by making the choice to use organic cotton clothing, not only are you helping the environment, you are helping to save lives AND you are providing your baby with the healthiest, softest clothing you could possibly buy!
* Figures taken from the Pesticide Action Network (PAN UK) - Organic cotton - A practical guide to the UK market
- Tailored specifically for cloth nappy bottoms
- Ethically manufactured
- Environmentally responsible dyes
- Nickel free poppers