There are two main types of cotton that are used to make clothes - organic cotton as well as regular cotton. Both types of cotton come from cotton plants but they are grown as well as processed differently. In this blog, you will explore the key differences between organic cotton as well as regular cotton as well as discuss why organic tee shirts is a better choice from an environmental along with health perspective.
Farming Methods
There are two main types of cotton farming methods - organic as well as conventional. Organic cotton farming uses natural techniques without any harmful chemicals. Farmers who grow organic cotton rely on ecological practices like crop rotation along with companion planting. Crop rotation involves planting different crops in the same space in sequential seasons to improve soil health as well as reduce pests or diseases. For example, a farmer may plant cotton one year, then wheat the next to replenish nutrients in the soil.
Companion planting means growing certain crops together that help each other. For instance, marigolds are often planted near vegetables because their scent repels insects that attack the vegetables. By rotating crops as well as using companion plants, organic farmers maintain nutrient-rich soil along with naturally control pests without the need for pesticides. They also avoid using synthetic fertilizers. Instead, organic matter like compost is added to replenish soil nutrients. This reduces pollution of both the land as well as nearby water sources.
In contrast, conventional cotton farming relies heavily on chemical pesticides as well as fertilizers. Large amounts of these agrochemicals are often sprayed on cotton fields. While this boosts yields in the short term, overuse of chemicals can contaminate soil and water over many years if not applied responsibly. The chemicals also kill beneficial insects along with pests, disrupting natural ecosystems. This damages the long-term viability of the land for agriculture. Conventional farming also depends on continued chemical use to replace nutrients removed from the soil.
Processing
Organic cotton fibers undergo processing without the use of harsh chemicals typically found in regular cotton processing. Natural and non-toxic dyes may be used in small amounts to color organic cotton fibers if desired, but bleaches are avoided. This chemical-free processing makes organic cotton safer for both the environment and the people who handle the fibers during manufacturing.
In contrast, regular cotton fibers are often dyed and processed using numerous synthetic and potentially toxic chemicals. Strong bleaches and dyes containing heavy metals, formaldehyde, and other hazardous substances are regularly employed to achieve desired colors and finishes. The wastewater discharged after processing conventional cotton is laden with these chemicals. If this wastewater is not treated properly before being released into waterways, it can pollute the environment through water contamination. The toxic chemicals in regular cotton processing wastewater pose dangers like algae blooms, damage to aquatic plants and wildlife, and impacts to water quality overall.
Additionally, the chemicals regularly used in processing conventional cotton can endanger the health and safety of the workers involved. Prolonged exposure to processing chemicals without adequate protective equipment may lead to respiratory issues, skin and eye irritation, and other health problems over time. By avoiding harsh chemicals, organic cotton production helps protect both the environment and human well-being compared to regular cotton processing methods.
Impact on Health
Organic cotton has several health benefits compared to conventional cotton. As organic cotton farming does not use synthetic pesticides or other chemicals, the cotton fibers do not absorb any traces of these toxins during growth. This makes organic cotton much gentler and safer for skin. People with sensitive skin or allergies greatly benefit from using organic cotton as it does not risk causing skin irritation, rashes or other reactions that chemicals may cause. The lack of pesticide residues in organic cotton also reduces health risks for those with compromised or developing immune systems such as babies and young children.
On the other hand, conventional cotton grown using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers can potentially retain small amounts of these chemicals in its fibers even after harvesting and processing. While one-time exposure may not cause harm, long-term and frequent use of clothing, bedding or other items made of conventional cotton means the body is exposed to low levels of pesticide residues over extended periods.
This prolonged chemical exposure has been linked to negative health effects by various studies. Pesticide residues have been shown to cause skin inflammation and irritation in sensitive individuals. Certain chemicals have also been found to disrupt the human endocrine system and increase cancer risks with long-term accumulation in the body. Organic cotton helps avoid these potential health issues by eliminating the use of synthetic pesticides and chemicals during farming.
Sustainability
Organic cotton has a much lower environmental impact compared to regular cotton. Organic farming methods use less water and rely on natural techniques that enrich the soil instead of depleting it over time. This makes organic cotton production more sustainable.
Regular cotton farming is very chemical-intensive and depletes soil nutrients rapidly. It also requires large amounts of water that contribute to water scarcity in many cotton-growing regions. The heavy reliance on chemicals also makes regular cotton farming less resilient to pests as well as climate change over time.
Ethics and Labour
Organic cotton farmers and workers are guaranteed fair wages as well as safe working conditions. Multiple certification programs also ensure ethical as well as sustainable practices throughout organic cotton supply chains.
The working conditions and pay for those involved in conventional cotton farming as well as factories can vary greatly. Issues like child labour, low wages as well as lack of safety standards are ongoing concerns in some regular cotton supply chains.
Conclusion
Organic t shirt is clearly a better and more sustainable choice compared to regular cotton when it comes to farming methods, processing techniques, health and environmental impacts as well as labour ethics. While organic cotton products may cost more initially, the environmental as well as health benefits outweigh the costs. By choosing organic cotton, consumers can feel good about reducing their textile footprint as well as supporting more sustainable agriculture.