Cotton: the fiber that clothes us.

We all have cotton clothes in our wardrobes, whether 100% cotton or combined with other materials, it is present in almost all creations.

For many years, we have been using cotton to produce textiles and its popularity over time is explained by the cost of producing this plant.

We are not going to do a complete thesis on the subject because there is a lot to say but briefly explain this industry.

The origin

India, China and the USA are the largest producers on the planet. The climate in these areas is in fact perfect for growing cotton because it is a plant that needs a lot of sun and also a good amount of water (about 120 days of watering).

Why buy organic clothes?

This is a question we have all asked ourselves. When faced with two similar items, the price is often much higher for products made from organic materials (except in the case of greenwashing, but we will come back to that).

So what does that change?

Organic is not just a fad, it is deciding to change things by supporting those who are committed to it. For many years, cotton growing has been responsible for an ecological disaster and it is time to put an end to it by stopping the use of pesticides and other toxic products, but there is a cost!

Indeed, without all these products, a crop does not obtain the same yield, which means that organic methods are not really popular, but it is nevertheless vital to develop this immense industry.

Organic or in conversion?

To obtain certifications and be able to obtain your label, you must cultivate on land that has not undergone any chemical treatment for 3 consecutive years. It is therefore financially difficult to take the step, because during this period, the yield of the cultivated plots will be lower while the purchase cost will be the same. Undertaking this change is already a good start and we must support farmers in these ecological transition initiatives.

Greenwashing? But what is it?

Greenwashing is a marketing technique aimed at giving a respectful image to its products without actually doing so. For a crop (or a factory) to obtain labels, an organization obviously has to come and verify the methods used and this has an additional cost. Some companies (we won't name names) don't play the game, in order to keep the margins they are used to receiving and therefore decide to analyze their work themselves.

As of course we are often quite proud of our work, we might as well award ourselves a prize and why not brag about it.

We have seen new labels arriving on the market that give us the impression that these are products that comply with environmental standards, but these labels are not in fact recognised as such by any national or international institution.

The qualities of organic cotton

• Organic cotton is more environmentally friendly. It is grown without pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers, which helps reduce soil, water and air pollution.
• Organic cotton is healthier. It is less likely to contain chemical residues, which can be irritating to the skin and lungs.
• Organic cotton is more durable. It is more resistant to wear and tear, which helps extend its lifespan.

Respect for the environment:

Conventional cotton farming is a major source of pollution. Pesticides and herbicides used to control pests and weeds can contaminate soil, water and air. They can also harm the health of workers and local populations.

Organic cotton farming, on the other hand, does not use any synthetic chemicals. It relies on traditional growing methods, such as crop rotation and the use of compost. These methods help protect the environment and human health.

Conventional cotton clothing may contain residues of pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers. These chemicals can be irritating to the skin and lungs. They can also cause allergies and respiratory problems.

Organic cotton clothing, on the other hand, is less likely to contain chemical residues, making it healthier for your skin and lungs.

Sustainability:

Conventional cotton is often treated with chemicals that make it softer and easier to handle. However, these chemicals can also make it less resistant to wear and tear.

Organic cotton, on the other hand, is naturally more resistant. It therefore does not need to be treated with chemicals. This makes it more durable and helps extend its lifespan.

Of course, organic cotton also has its drawbacks. It is generally more expensive than conventional cotton, and it is sometimes harder to find. However, the benefits of organic cotton are numerous and worth considering.