From textiles and home decor to packaging, cotton significantly influences our daily lives. In this article, we explain where this widely used natural fiber comes from, with a greater focus on understanding what organic cotton means, its pros and cons, and the health benefits of using clothes made from it.
What is cotton? Where does cotton come from?
Cotton is a soft, fluffy organic fiber that grows from the seed coat of the cotton plant. It is one of the most popular and widely produced natural fibers in the world. Due to its softness, high breathability, and moisture-wicking properties, it is used to make a variety of products, mainly clothing, bedding, sheets, and more.
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The cotton plant was first found to be grown in the Indus Valley Civilization (present-day Pakistan) and Mesoamerica, from where it spread to other parts of the world. Today, China is the leading cotton-producing country, followed by India and the United States.
Cotton requires a long, warm season and plenty of water to thrive. It is a major commercial crop and plays a significant role in the global economy. Cotton also raises some environmental concerns due to the chemical pesticides and herbicides used in its production.
What does Organic Cotton mean?
As the name suggests, organic cotton is referred to as cotton that is grown organically. In simple words, it means that organic cotton production is free from the use of any synthesized fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, except the ones permitted by the certified organic labeling.
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Organic cotton is produced in the subtropical regions through non-genetically modified plants. This means that only natural methods such as crop rotation or biological pest control are used to grow these plants.
The elimination of chemicals and synthetic additives from organic cotton accounts for its higher quality and increased sustainability as compared to conventional cotton. The use of natural practices sustains the color and texture of the organically produced cotton and also promotes sustainable farming practices.
Health benefits of using clothes made of organic cotton
In addition to the aforementioned benefits, organic cotton provides incredible health benefits when converted to clothes. Here are some solid reasons why you should switch to clothes made of organic cotton
Soft and gentle on the skin
The residues of the chemical fertilizers used in conventional cotton remain on the clothes made from it. These residues are harmful to people with sensitive skin, causing irritation and triggering allergies.
Whereas, organic cotton avoids the use of harmful substances in its production. Hence, the clothes made from it are softer and gentler on the skin. Just like this Regal Rexnord White shirt combining comfort with style.
High breathability
Clothes made from organic cotton offer higher breathability than those made from conventional cotton. When conventional cotton is produced and processed using harsh chemicals, its fibers lose their natural structure and become stiffer. Consequently, the clothes made from these fibers are less breathable, leaving you feeling clammy and sweaty.
On the other hand, organic cotton retains its natural soft fiber structure. This improves air circulation in the clothes made from it. Hence, you feel cooler and more comfortable wearing them even in warm weather.
This Industrial White shirt definitely promises enhanced breathability, perfect for working in high-temperature environments.
Overall well-being
Switching to organic cotton clothing allows you to make sustainable choices, ultimately contributing to environmental improvement. Knowing that the clothes you are wearing are made from a fabric that is produced and sourced ethically puts your mind at ease.
It also contributes to the well-being of workers and communities involved by paying them fair wages and providing safe working environments.
How to Identify if a Cloth is Made from Organic Cotton?
All organic cotton clothes have a “GOTS” mark on them. You can also identify an organic cotton cloth from the “100% organic colored cotton” logo on it. Or, you can check if the company claims it on their website or through their hang tags. You may also notice that organic cotton can’t be bleached or decolorized. So, if the cloth appears to be too bright or dull, it is not organic cotton.
The Pros and Cons of Producing with Organic Cotton
Organic cotton has emerged as a sustainable choice in comparison to conventional cotton. But it has both its pros and cons. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of producing goods with organic cotton.
Pros
Organic cotton provides a bunch of environmental, health, and social benefits. Here’s a breakdown:
Environmentally friendly
The harmful chemicals and fertilizers used in conventional cotton production increase water pollution and contaminate the soil. This seriously affects the environment and local ecosystems.
On the other hand, organic cotton is produced without these synthesized chemicals. This promotes biodiversity and natural pest control, leaving the soil healthier and more fertile. Ultimately, it reduces the environmental risks and is safer for the land and its inhabitants.
Less energy consumption
Organic cotton is produced using organic and sustainable farming practices. These methods are made to use less machinery and consume less energy. Therefore, organic cotton production results in lower greenhouse gas emissions and a reduced carbon footprint, becoming the ultimate choice of environmentally conscious consumers.
Beneficial for farmers and communities
Conventional cotton involves the use of dangerous chemicals that can be injurious to anyone who comes in contact with them. Farmers, workers, and communities surrounding the cotton farms remain at higher health risks.
Since organic cotton eliminates the use of such hazardous chemicals, it is safer for farmers and surrounding communities. By choosing organic cotton, consumers can care for fellow human beings and enhance environmental sustainability.
Community development
In the United States, the USDA enforces cotton plantations to fulfill specific requirements to be considered organic. This enforcement ensures the sustainable production and handling of organic cotton.
Additionally, organic certifications enforce strict labor standards, fair wages, and safe working conditions for farmers, hence empowering them and promoting safer, healthier communities.
Cons
Here are a few drawbacks of producing goods with organic cotton
Lower yields
Organic cotton production relies on natural pest control mechanisms. These methods could be effective but slow and less predictable. Also, they are less complete than concentrated synthetic solutions used in conventional cotton production.
Consequently, these factors can lead to nutrient deficiencies in cotton crops, making them more prone to diseases. As a result, organic production produces lower yields of cotton per acre as compared to conventional methods.
Higher production cost
Organic cotton is more expensive to produce than conventional cotton. One of the reasons is its lower yield per acre due to the reliance on organic farming. Secondly, the certification costs and limited processing options due to stricter regulations add up to further costs, making organic cotton goods expensive.
Although these challenges can not be overlooked, the benefits of organic cotton outnumber them. This is why organic cotton is higher in demand than its current production.
Summary
Cotton is a widely produced and frequently used organic fiber that produces goods we rely upon all the time. These include products as common but important as the clothes we wear. This increased demand translates to intensive cotton production which raises various health and environmental concerns for both producers and consumers.
In comparison to conventional cotton which uses hazardous chemicals in its production, organic cotton emerges as a sustainable and safer option. This is because organic cotton is produced using organic farming practices which are sustainable and safer for the environment, producers, and consumers alike.
Although clothes made from organic cotton are comparatively expensive, they provide various health benefits, including improved comfort, softness, breathability, and sustainability.
Therefore, choosing organic cotton over conventional does matter and makes a difference in your lifestyle and environment.