Friday, March 26, 2010

Why Use Organic Cotton?


For Spring and Summer, there is nothing better than the breathable, lightweight feel of natural cotton fabric and yarn. While researching cotton yarns for my new lightweight cowls for spring, I came across information about organic cotton and why it is so important to use. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic cotton is "grown without the use of toxic pesticides or fertilizers. Methods such as beneficial insect releases, strip cutting of alfalfa and new weeding machinery help reduce the environmental impact of cotton crops."

According to an article in Mother Earth News, "about 25 percent of the world’s insecticide use and more than 10 percent of the world’s pesticide goes to cotton crops. In 2003, that amounted to about 55 million pounds of pesticides being sprayed on 12.8 million acres of cotton, according to the Organic Trade Association. Some of these chemicals are considered to be the most toxic chemicals in the world. The health risks of pesticide exposure include birth defects, reproductive disorders and weaker immune systems."


Wow. I am so glad that i found this out! I am really excited to support the production of organic cotton and continue to provide sustainable options that are comfortable and fashionable in my Etsy shop!

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