3 Reasons Why You Should Switch To Organic Cotton
August 24, 2021
By Mia Krejci
Cotton is natural, soft, flexible, breathable and absorbent, which makes it one of the most popular materials in the world. Most single-use period products (tampons, pads, liners) you find in regular drugstores are usually made of conventional, non-organic cotton with up to 90% synthetic rayon/plastic blend. At Grace & Green, however, we use only 100% organic cotton that is certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and ICEA and carries the organic cotton seal. Why? Because conventional, non-organic cotton is harmful to your body, the environment, and people. How? Read on to learn what the difference is between conventional cotton and organic cotton and why you should switch to organic cotton now.
1. Organic Cotton Is Better For Your Body
Conventional Cotton is usually bleached white with chlorine, which creates dioxin. Dioxin is a substance that can cause serious problems with hormones and fertility, and has even been linked to cancer. Dyes, fragrances, and other potentially harmful ingredients in non-organic cotton are also absorbed by the body and therefore can increase the risk of bacteria, other infections, and toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
Organic Cotton is free of any dyes, harsh chemicals, toxins, fragrances or synthetic fibres making it completely natural and kind to your body.
2. Organic Cotton Is Better For The Farmers
Conventional Cotton is grown with harsh pesticides and fertilizers that are not only harmful to health but also expensive to use. Farmers, who often pick the cotton by hand, usually don’t wear protection or wash their hands with warm water, leading to serious illness in the long run. Pesticides also pollute the water and soil of people living near conventional cotton farms. And because the high cost of pesticides and fertilizers plunges farmers into debt they can’t pay off, numerous cotton farmers have committed suicide.
Organic Cotton is grown using only natural fertilizers, so farmers and surrounding communities aren’t exposed to harmful chemicals. This also preserves soil quality for future generations. Organic cotton farmers are also not under the immense pressure of paying extra costs and hence live a more peaceful life.
3. Organic Cotton Is Better For Our Environment
Conventional Cotton farming uses more pesticides than any other crop in the world (source: nwf.org). This damages the soil and causes erosion. In addition, the bleaching or dyeing process of cotton requires high temperatures and contains large amounts of metals and sulphur that produce greenhouse gases and enter our water system. The production of non-organic cotton also requires huge amounts of water, which is why farmers often use intensive irrigation systems.
Organic Cotton is not genetically modified, grown without synthetic or oil-based pesticides/insecticides, and therefore a) promotes better soil and air quality, b) supports biodiversity and wildlife, and c) keeps our water clean. Organically grown cotton also uses 88% less water and 62% less energy than conventionally grown cotton. As organic cotton products are biodegradable, meaning they can be fully broken down by the environment, they reduce waste on our precious planet.
