The Organic Cotton Revolution: Why Organic Cotton Is Better Than Conventional Cotton
Organic Cotton Is Better Than Conventional Cotton - Cotton plants growing in a field
The Organic Cotton Revolution: Why Is Organic Cotton Better Than Conventional Cotton
Cotton is one of the most widely used fabrics in the fashion industry, but not all cotton is created equal. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental and social impact of conventional cotton production, leading many consumers and brands to turn to organic cotton as a more sustainable alternative. In this blog post, we'll explore why organic cotton is better than conventional cotton and why it's worth making the switch.
At Jenerous we use organic cotton to make the majority of our collection, here are the reasons why….
5 Reasons Why Organic Cotton Really Is Better
If you have ever asked the question ‘Is Organic cotton better?’ or wondered what all the fuss is about, we hope that this blog will help you understand why it’s always best to choose organic cotton.
1. Environmental Impact:
Conventional cotton production relies heavily on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which have a detrimental impact on the environment. These chemicals not only contaminate soil and water sources but also harm biodiversity and pollinators like bees. In contrast, organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic chemicals, relying instead on natural methods like crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control. This reduces the ecological footprint of cotton cultivation and helps preserve soil health and biodiversity.
2. Water Usage:
Cotton is a notoriously thirsty crop, requiring large amounts of water to grow. Conventional cotton production often exacerbates water scarcity in regions where it is grown, leading to depletion of freshwater resources and environmental degradation. Organic cotton, on the other hand, tends to use less water than conventional cotton due to practices like rainwater harvesting and more efficient irrigation methods. By choosing organic cotton, consumers can help reduce the strain on water resources and support more sustainable water management practices.
Cotton is a very thirsty crop - Fields of cotton growing with an irrigation system in place
3. Health and Safety:
The use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in conventional cotton farming not only harms the environment but also poses risks to the health and safety of farmers and agricultural workers. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems, skin irritations, and neurological disorders. Organic cotton cultivation eliminates the use of harmful chemicals, creating safer working conditions for farmers and promoting their overall well-being.
What’s more, it’s better for the consumer too, knowing that the fabric spun from the cotton won’t contain any pesticide residue.
Harmful pesticides are used in conventional cotton growing that negatively affect the workers and soil
4. Soil Health:
Healthy soil is essential for sustainable agriculture, yet conventional cotton farming practices often degrade soil quality over time. The intensive use of chemical inputs can strip the soil of its natural fertility and beneficial microorganisms, leading to erosion, compaction, and loss of biodiversity. Organic cotton farming, on the other hand, promotes soil health and fertility by fostering natural processes like nutrient cycling and soil regeneration. This helps maintain the long-term productivity of agricultural land and reduces the need for synthetic inputs.
5. Social Impact:
Beyond its environmental benefits, organic cotton production also has positive social impacts. Many organic cotton initiatives prioritize fair labour practices and support small-scale farmers and rural communities. By choosing organic cotton, consumers can contribute to the empowerment and livelihoods of farmers, helping to create more equitable and sustainable supply chains.
According to The Soil Association, GOTS certified organic cotton includes the whole supply chain, ensuring that not only are the fibres grown organically, without the use of harmful pesticides, there is also no exploitation. Workers receive fair pay and have safe working conditions.
Choose Organic Cotton As It Is Better Than Conventional Cotton
In conclusion, organic cotton offers a multitude of benefits over conventional cotton, ranging from environmental sustainability and water conservation to improved health and social equity. By opting for organic cotton products, consumers can support a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry while reducing their ecological footprint. So, let's embrace the organic cotton revolution and make a positive impact with our fashion choices
Organic Cotton vs Regular Conventional Cotton
I hope you’ll agree that’s it’s worth checking garment labels when buying clothing, and choosing organic cotton over regular cotton. Here’s a selection of our favourite organic cotton wardrobe staples.
Looking for something else, then why not browse our latest collection.