Cotton's our go-to for towels, bedding, napkins and everyday wear. When it comes to clothing, cotton feels great on skin and offers varieties that are sharp enough for work, lightweight enough for summer, sturdy enough for jeans, and cozy enough for lounging.
It's the fiber that can do it all. The one caveat is the fact that cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops. This comes as a surprise to many given how cotton is perceived to be a more natural fiber. But many of us never consider this aspect of cotton farming simply because we don't know.
We don't eat it, does it matter if cotton is organic? That's a personal preference, but it's important to arm ourselves with information. Consider who is using the cotton item. Babies are known to put bibs and clothing in their mouths. Young children are more sensitive and can absorb chemicals from their surroundings more readily than adults. As adults, we wear cotton clothes to sleep, workout, work in all seasons, hot and cold. Now take a moment and consider the fact that conventional cotton clothing is made of fibers that've come in contact with pesticides and fertilizers labelled as dangerous and likely carcinogenic. As sensitivities to clothing and fabrics increase, we can't help but wonder if there is a connection.
So what does it mean to be organic? Merriam-Webster defines organic as "relating to, yielding, or involving the use of food produced with the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides." Depending on the crop, different rules apply in order to gain organic status. For cotton, this means textiles must contain a set percentage of certified organic fibers to be considered organic.
Even with the intent to shop organic cotton, there are obstacles. The availability of organic options are often limited and prices higher. But purchasing fewer cotton products that are of a better quality is not only worthwhile but also 100% doable. Companies are listening to customer demands and offering more items like bedding, hygiene products, sneakers, underwear and clothing made with organic cotton. cake weather is proud to source the best in organic (American-grown, whenever possible) cotton to produce our reusable makeup remover pads.
Every time you purchase products made with organic cotton, you make your voice heard that you prefer a safer and healthier alternative for you, your family and the environment.
Image courtesy of Lionel Abrial