Benefits Of Organic Cotton

Benefits For The Earth

In non-organic cotton farming, so many synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and defoliants are used that the soil itself is eventually completely void of any living matter. So what happens? The cotton can’t grow naturally, so farmers need to supply it with everything it needs to thrive, including synthetic fertilizers and huge amounts of water. Plus, the more pesticides farmers use, the more resistant cotton-eating bugs become, and the more pesticides farmers have to continue to apply. It’s a cycle that doesn’t end, and one that depletes the Earth we share.

With organic cotton, things are different. The earth is treated with care so that it continues to thrive and to give the cotton everything it naturally needs. No chemicals are added and no synthetic fertilizers are used. This means that even the water sticks around because the fertile earth keeps it there. And the healthy crops that result lead to even healthier soil. When excess water does eventually run off into nearby streams and lakes, it’s not filled with chemicals or synthetic fertilizers. It’s a cycle that keeps getting stronger, and one that nourishes the Earth we share.

Benefits For People

In non-organic cotton farming, many of the chemicals used are highly toxic and kill plants, animals and evenhumans. According to the UK-based Pesticide Action Network, at least 20,000 people in developing countries die every year from poisoning by agricultural pesticides, and three million suffer acute or reproductive after effects. These pesticides and other chemicals find their way into our food chain through things like cottonseed oil, which is found in everything from cookies to canned tuna. With organic cotton, things are different. Farmers aren’t exposed to harmful chemicals, so they don’t face the associated health risks. Plus they use sustainable farming practices, which means they can rely on their crops year after year. The list of benefits goes on: neighbouring communities don’t drink water that’s contaminated with pesticide-filled run-off, consumers don’t eat cotton by-products that are filled with toxins, and fashion-conscious shoppers around the world don’t expose their skin to harmful chemicals in their clothing. It’s a process that lets everyone win!