Why Choose Organic? (see our Organic Farms Video)

Crop Duster Plane Spraying Insecticidal Dust Over Vast Fields.

Until about 50 years ago, cotton-growing mainly involved sustainable techniques: it did not permanently deplete resources or create a health hazard. Today, however, the pesticides used on 'conventional' cotton increasingly threaten people, wildlife and the environment. Most pesticides were originally developed as toxic nerve agents during WWII and it is no wonder they have been linked to many forms of cancers. Conventionally-grown cotton occupies only 3% of the world's farmland, but uses 25% of the world's chemical pesticides.

A year 2000 USDA study revealed that eighty-four million pounds of pesticides were sprayed on cotton in the U.S.A, ranking it second behind corn. Some of these toxic chemicals include the infamous defoliant Paraquat and insecticides like Parathion which is 60 times more toxic that DDT! In fact, the EPA considers 7 of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton as "likely" or "known" human carcinogens.

Ironically, it is estimated that less than 10% of the chemicals applied to cotton accomplish their task, the rest are absorbed into the plant, air, soil, water and eventually, our bodies. Sprayed from the air, these highly toxic chemicals can drift into surrounding neighborhoods, poison farm workers, contaminate air, ground and surface water and cause major eco-system imbalances.

As insects gradually become resistant to pesticides, ever-increasing amounts are applied to be effective, resulting in massive ecological disasters and crop failures. These hazardous pesticides also pose an increasing danger to wildlife. A 1993 EPA study estimated that 'one to two million' birds are killed annually by carbofuran, just one insecticide used on cotton! This is only one of many tragic effects on our wildlife. It doesn't end there. Conventional cotton is also a major user of toxic herbicides, fungicides and defoliants. During processing, it is subjected to chlorine bleach, heavy metal dyes and formaldehyde resins (the hidden hazard of 'easy care treatments'). The bleach is almost worse than pesticides, causing myriad health problems and vast environmental damage. Additionally, genetically modified cotton now accounts for 75% of cotton grown conventionally. It is no comfort that cotton is also a food crop: cottonseed oil is used in many processed and snack foods and cottonseed is used in cattle feed.

One Granule Of Carbofuran Is Enough To Kill A Songbird Photo: US FWS

Hand-Harvesting

Organic cotton represents a return to safe and sustainable practices. It is grown with natural fertilizers and is free from toxic chemicals. Organic farmers rely on crop rotation to replenish and maintain soil fertility. Mechanical cultivation and botanical or biological means are used to control pests and weeds. A field must be pesticide-free for at least three years to be certified organic, and the cotton must be processed according to international organic standards.

The standards also set strict guidelines for transportation and storage to avoid cross-contamination. In the U.S., cotton labelled as organic has to be certified by an independent agency recognized by the USDA's National Organic Program.

Some of the benefits of organic cotton are:

Manual farming and organic practices have a lower carbon footprint as the entire process consumes less fuel and energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases. Not from genetically modified cottonseed. Grown with natural rather than synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, no chemical defoliants used. Eco-friendly processing that does not compromise workers' health and helps reduce water and electric use and toxic runoff, e.g. non-chlorine bleach, silicon-free softeners and low impact, azo-free dyes. Strict testing ensures the absence of contaminants like nickel, lead, formaldehyde, amines, pesticides and heavy metals. People with allergies and chemical sensitivity especially benefit from organic cotton clothing, as conventional cotton may retain harmful toxic residues. Even if you don't have sensitive skin, organic cotton will just feel better against your skin.

Conventional farming endangers farm workers and their families. There are innumerable cases of serious pesticide-related health problems, including birth defects, long-term memory loss, paralysis and death. Unprotected storage, improper application methods and lack of proper handling is not uncommon, and often leads to tragic accidents. As pests develop resistance, farmers desperate to keep up yields often resort to more and more applications of expensive pesticides. The chemical treadmill leaves them heavily in debt, and caught in a vicious circle. Facing barren, devastated fields and contaminated water, many small farmers have been forced to abandon their livelihood altogether. Organic farming, on the other hand, is not only safer and healthier for farmers, but also encourages just economic systems in the supply chain. It provides an economically viable and socially acceptable alternative to large-scale farming and dependence on subsidies.

Farmers' Families Benefit From Organic Practices

F.A.Q.s

Q: Isn't your organic cotton clothing more expensive and therefore unaffordable for some?
A: Not at all! While we are not trying to be #1 when you google 'cheap', our tees start around an affordable $12. A great value, especially if you consider that our good quality makes it look better and last longer. We aim to build a trusted brand name rather than an exclusive designer label with a padded price-tag. In fact, as per fair trade criteria, a more significant percentage of your dollar goes to workers' wages.

We offer it with pride, so you can wear it with pride- and make a real statement with your choice. Remember, just by buying one organic cotton tee you can have the satisfaction of knowing that you saved 4 oz. of dangerous, concentrated pesticides from entering our environment.

Q: I understand the benefits of organic food - but why should I buy organic clothing?
A: Environmental changes affect each one of us. Organic farming could be a powerful ally in the race against global warming, not only as it consumes fewer resources to start, it is actually a powerful natural tool for carbon sequestering.

Conversely, on a small planet, we are all affected to some extent by the production and application of pesticides and poisons! You are closer than you think to the farms, chemical factories and waste treatment facilities that handle toxic chemicals used on your tee-shirt. By spending on organic products, you are using your consumer power wisely and adding your voice to the environmental movement.

On a purely personal level, even if you don't suffer from chemical allergies and sensitivities, you will most definitely feel better wearing pure, organic cotton against your skin.

Q: Is 'green' or 'natural' cotton the same as organic cotton?
A: In the US, 'green' cotton usually refers to cotton that is not bleached, dyed or chemically treated during processing. However, it is grown conventionally, and falls short of organic. Unlike the use of the word 'organic' in labeling, neither of these terms are regulated or certified, so they may not always have a consistent meaning.

Q: What are other environmentally friendly alternatives for clothing and fibers?
A: Natural and recycled fabrics using low-impact processing contribute to healthy eco-systems. Here are some other options to consider if you care about the environment (and already own several of our 100% organic cotton tees!).

• Hemp is a very durable fiber, and usually grows without the use of pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers. Hemp cultivation does not exhaust, but rather continuously fertilizes the soil by shedding its leaves throughout its growing period, returning nutrients to the soil. It is also naturally UV resistant and highly breathable. Hemp paper also provides a wonderful alternative to tree produced paper. Some hemp clothing can be rough- so try it on first.
• Lyocell or Tencel^TM and Modal^TM are both eco-friendly rayon fabrics. 100% biodegradable, durable and easy care, they are made from cellulose extracted from trees using a non-toxic, chemical-free process. Tencel^TM easily replicates the look of silk or suede and Modal^TM has properties similar to cotton.
• Linen is a fiber derived from the stem of the flax plant. It is hand-washable and comfortable in warm weather as it wicks moisture away from the body.
• EcoSpun® is a fiber derived from the stem of the flax plant. It is hand-washable and comfortable in warm weather as it wicks moisture away from the body.

Q: What's wrong with synthetic clothing?
A: As you are aware, all synthetic fabrics are manufactured from petroleum derivatives.

Though generally cheap due to artificially maintained low petroleum prices, the actual cost of acquiring, transporting refining and manufacturing fabrics is seldom assessed. If you consider the amount of pollution, water and energy it involves, manufacturing synthetics will continue to place a great burden on our well-being and the environment at least until clean energy sources are used for production.

Clothing made of polyester and acrylic may give off toxic vapors, especially when new. They tend to emit static electricity and trap perspiration and also contain chemicals that can be breathed in or absorbed through the skin. While you will certainly feel better wearing natural fabric next to your skin, consider outer-wear from recycled plastics like Eco Fleece.

Q: With labor-intensive farming techniques, won't organic farming remain a more expensive alternative?
A: Organic farming appears less lucrative, only because the long-term damage of conventional farming is not quantified or taken into account. For instance, the millions spent to treat toxic residues can be saved if the problem wasn't created in the first place. Unfortunately, organic cotton gets little support from markets and financial institutions because it is considered more expensive. Over time, however, organic farms are more productive as the soil in is richer and more resistant to disease while the other is stressed and sterile due to chemical applications.

The difference in cost may remain, however, as organic producers have to pay for third-party certification whereas conventional farms often get subsidized chemicals and pesticides which off-sets costs.

In conclusion, we may end up paying more for organic products, but the pay-back is tremendous: better health for people, the planet and all her creatures.