Organic cotton. You probably know of it as a 'better' cotton, a more environmentally friendly cotton. But what does the 'organic' part actually mean?
Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or fertilizers. Only 2.5% of the world's farmland is used to grow cotton, yet 10% of all chemical pesticides and 22% of insecticides are sprayed on conventional cotton (OrganicCotton.Org). Heavy pesticides disrupt ecosystems, damaging the soil and contaminating water supplies. These chemicals can be toxic. The World Trade Organisation estimated 20,000 people die every year due to the use of agricultural pesticides in developing countries (WHO). Conventional cotton production also uses huge amounts of water. The drying of the Aral Sea is in part due to diversions of huge amounts of water for cotton farming (Columbia University)!
Organic cotton farming uses natural pesticides instead of synthetic chemicals, that help to keep pests away without causing major environmental impacts (Speezees). These include chili, neem, garlic and soap (FairTrade.Org). Organic cotton farmers also usually grow other crops in between small plots of cotton, like tomatoes and aubergines. The extra foliage helps to create a natural barrier against pests and provides another source of income. It also helps to reduce the impact of water pollution by up to 98%! Organic cotton farming is also largely rain-fed, saving even more water.
So if organic cotton farmers use natural pesticides, why do we often pay more? When it comes to fast fashion, someone or something else is usually paying the price. The farmers are often being underpaid and are exposed to harmful chemicals. The environment is also being degraded. So when you buy organic cotton, you are getting a higher quality, mindfully made product. You are supporting more environmentally friendly, safe and sustainability farming processes (Cottonedon.org). We believe it's worth paying more to fight the exploitation of our planet and our people!
We at Bibico have therefore continued our 100% organic cotton collection into our Spring line. We've consciously crafted classic items, great for everyday, to help you to style yourself sustainably. This jersey collection is produced by a small, family-run business in southern India that we have worked with for a number of years.
If your interested in finding out more about organic cotton we recommend you watch the True Cost Movie. See the trailer here or watch the the whole movie on netflix.
We hope you love the organic cotton collection just as much as we do! Follow this link to shop: Shop organic cotton clothing
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