Conventional cotton is made soft by the chemicals, oils, and waxes added in manufacturing. According to the, Conventionally grown cotton requires an immense amount of water. Try it today to feel the difference yourself. All cotton biodegrades, but not necessarily in a sustainable way. Copyright text 2019 by Green Snooze. No GMO seeds 4. If you want to support brands that use fairtrade organic cotton, take a look at Coyuchi, YaYa and Co., or Grund America. The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. What is organic cotton? Where is Organic Cotton From? GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certificate means that the products have been tested and scrutinized for the presence of toxic chemicals throughout the manufacturing process: from the field to the finished products. But organic cotton is 80% rain-fed, which reduces pressure on local water sources. Here, the definition is much simpler, and hasn’t become confused. Here at Cat & Dogma, we choose organically grown cotton as the material to make our adorable, comfy baby clothes. The absence of chemicals also means that water is cleaner and safer. One key difference is that organic cotton products are made without toxic chemicals. Many manufacturers claim their products are made of organic cotton, but they don’t have any certificates to prove it. Organic cotton is definitely better than normal cotton. Organic cotton is better for the environment, the workers and the community. Something you have to consider with regular cotton is that even if the cotton needs less water to grow, you still have to consider the water that is lost through water pollution due to pesticide use, and toxic chemicals in the production process. Organic cotton contributes less to global warming. When grown organically, the yield is … The machine-picked method damages the fibers. Organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals, leaving the soil, air and water free from contaminates that cause harm. Read More: How to wash organic cotton bedding? It can sometimes feel overwhelming when trying to figure out which products are the best from an environmental standpoint. The basic necessities of soil, sun, water, and seeds are all used in growing organic cotton. If it is better, why exactly should we choose organic cotton over conventional cotton? BCI systems employ good cultivation practices like intercropping and reduce use of mineral fertilizers for cultivation. If that wasn’t enough, these pigments often contain materials such as petroleum, or metal. Organic cotton doesn’t use pesticides. Evidently, this wastes a lot of energy and produces a large amount of greenhouse gases. So avoid cotton for extreme adventures (whether that means extreme temps, distances, hours on the trail, or extreme weather), but when you do have to refresh your everyday wardrobe, when it comes to conventional cotton vs organic cotton, opt for organic. They also explain that the real problem is water pollution. Some arguments have claimed that organic cotton uses less water to produce one T-shirt than conventional cotton. These things all leave residues that can irritate the skin of chemically-sensitive people. Although they try to rinse the cotton, they cannot get rid of all the chemicals. Organic Cotton vs. Normal Cotton: What’s the Difference. Conventional cotton isn’t sustainable. The picking and manufacturing method gives us an indication of how durable the cotton will be. They use more eco-friendly materials, and they do not pose any health hazards. Organic cotton is generally understood as cotton from plants not genetically modified and that is certified to be grown without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals, such as fertilizers or pesticides. It is a benefit that organic cotton uses less water, but even better than that is that the water is not contaminated or hazardous after the production process. Conventional cotton is often harvested by machines to keep up with the rush of high demand. A percale sheet is a type of cotton sheet, and the name percale refers to how the cotton threads are woven. Conventional cotton is in high demand because of the large quantities needed for production worldwide. The world’s leading producers of organic cotton are India, China and Turkey. These organic bedding brands are sure to deliver on the product quality for you and quality of life for their suppliers. Read More: What are the best organic pillows? Technically, neither should be softer than the other - the sole difference should be whether the cotton is produced organically (without pesticides, etc.) To be classified as organic, cotton must be produced free of all synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. As you’ve noticed, there are a few major problems with the process of growing and manufacturing conventional cotton. Organic cotton is healthier because of the clean, non-toxic processes used in the processes of growth, harvesting, and manufacturing. Alisha is a freelance writer and photographer based in Austin, TX. Or vice versa. As its cultivation and manufacturing process excludes the use of harsh chemicals, it avoids soil and water pollution and it protects the health of people involved in the manufacturing process. Organic cotton. We investigated so we could all make better choices when it comes to sustainable apparel. Organic cotton requires more space to grow the same amount of harvestable material, but even so, according to the. Organic cotton is generally defined as cotton that is grown organically in subtropical countries such as India, Turkey, China, and parts of the USA from non-genetically modified plants, and without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides aside from the ones allowed by the certified organic labeling. more information Accept. Organic cotton is an essential material for someone who is trying to have a non-toxic lifestyle. To untangle these often opposing statements and studies, we have to clarify the conditions. Organic cotton is slightly more expensive than cotton since it has a lower yield —and should be third-party certified. Organic cotton features: 1. I'm not entirely sure why, other than perhaps to encourage buying organic? Want numbers? Greensnooze.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. No harmful chemicals in the textile factories 5. The Environmental Justice Foundation and Pesticide Action Network reported that conventional cotton uses more pesticides than any other single crop, thus dubbing it the world’s dirtiest crop. Sources: https://textileexchange.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Textile-Exchange_Quick-Guide-To-Organic-Cotton_2017.pdf, https://www.soilassociation.org/media/11662/coolcotton.pdf. Organic cotton is also usually picked by hand. Organic cotton is eco-friendly because it does not disrupt the natural processes happening in the soil, water, or air around the cotton field. Instead of prompting growth with synthetic fertilizer, organic cotton producers use sustainable techniques, including crop rotation and manure-based fertilizer. They use a variety of natural products in manufacturing, including potato starch, low-impact dyes, and earth clays. Organic Cotton vs Cotton (Differences between Organic Cotton and Conventional Cotton) In contrast, conventional cotton growers have the full array of tools at their disposal, whether it’s insecticides to ward off pests or synthetic fertilizers to maximize yield per acre grown. No, it does not, unlike synthetic fabrics. Organic cotton is not chemically treated to prevent shrinkage so it is possible to experience shrinking. GOTS certificate gives you the confidence that you’re buying truly organic cotton that is a healthy choice for the environment and for you. Both organic and conventional production systems offer the benefit of providing us with a natural fiber and their growing practices are similar. It can shrink up to 10% if it’s exposed to high temperatures. Organic sheets, pillows, comforters, and even the outside of each mattress are all made from these high quality textiles. There’s a lot of talk recently about water usage in the manufacturing process of the material. Crop rotation, which keeps the soil fertile and reduces its water demand 3. Organic cotton is softer, hypoallergenic, and last for a long time. It should naturally become part of the ecosystem – not disturb it. In a clear case of supply restrictions, hemps is much pricier than organic cotton and is often even blended with (hopefully organic) cotton to reduce its price tag. Is Microfiber or Cotton More Eco-Friendly? Organic farmers use beneficial insects over insecticide and utilize methods like crop rotation and composting for healthy soil instead of relying on synthetic fertilizers. These things all leave residues that can irritate the skin of chemically-sensitive people. Is organic cotton really that much more sustainable than conventionally grown cotton? However, with conventional cotton, there are more “necessary” elements added to the growth process to keep up with the supply and demand chain. or not. Yes, it contains no chemicals that could irritate your skin. When comparing the amount of water, the Textile Exchange explains that to produce a T-shirt, it would require about 2,168 gallons of water versus just 186 gallons for organic cotton. So it is imperative to buy organic cotton batting, as in a mattress or pillow.” Finishes and dyes on some cotton fabrics can also be a problem: If the fibers were weakened or broken by a machine harvester, you would lose some of the natural durability of the fiber. You cannot always trust a second-hand source who may have chosen the “studies” that suit their stance on the matter. I've found, though, that a lot of companies either use softer cotton or brush it when it's organic. Cotton is often grown in water-scarce areas using irrigation and it takes 2,700 liters of water to make a conventional cotton t-shirt. When it comes to organic cotton vs. conventional cotton, the latter is dyed using a process that requires a high temperature. She loves her tiny house, vegan food and experiencing the community of travel in far away places. By avoiding the use of inorganic fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides or fungicides during the cultivation process, as well as harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, during the manufacture it offers environmental benefits and follows human-healthy practices that we want to support by purchasing organic cotton products. At every stage of its life organic cotton is kinder to the earth in which it grows and everything that comes in contact with it. No chemical pesticides, but natural pesticides based on leaves or fruit 2. The difference between cotton vs. organic cotton is in the production, and more importantly, how these differing production techniques impact the planet and also us as individuals. Traditional cotton uses a lot of water and harmful pesticides and chemicals. Organic cotton vs non-organic cotton: the conclusion Organic cotton is certainly better than conventional cotton, but it’s not the answer to all our problems. -  Designed by Thrive She’s also pretty sure she’s addicted to coffee. The real issue to focus on is not which type of cotton uses less water, but which cotton contaminates the water. Organic cotton, on the other hand, does not normally match the yield of a conventional cotton field. Safe working conditions for the workers. One advantage of cotton is that since it is a natural (not synthetic) fiber, it will biodegrade more quickly than, say, polyester or nylon, which is great! These extra toxins and chemicals make conventional cotton risky. Organic cotton has shown the lowest impacts across all categories assessed, due to non-use of synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, the only additives being manures, and the soil quality being controlled by crop rotation. Many people suffer from the skin reactions or allergy symptoms these residues can have. This helps to avoid further fiber damage, making it a much more durable material than conventional cotton. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. The big question is whether or not it’s even better than conventional cotton? Organic Cotton. Organic cotton is untouched by chemicals when it’s spun into yarn. The reason cotton is grown with so many fertilisers and pesticides is because it’s such a sensitive plant. However, because there is so much business for conventional cotton, they don’t need to charge an exorbitant amount for it. Conventional cotton yields (the amount of fiber per acre) tend to be higher than organic, creating a better return on land and water investments. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you’re trying to live a more eco-friendly life, switching … Organic cotton is more durable because as mentioned above, the hand-picking method preserves the longer fibers, keeping them intact and therefore stronger. Organic cotton needs less energy. The chemical fertilizers, GMO seeds, and manufacturing chemicals needed to produce the necessary yield are all quite expensive. The organic cotton is grown from the ground. Yes, because the natural fibers are longer, they allow for breathability while still maintaining the strength of the material. Many organic farmers are proving that there’s no need for harmful chemicals. So check out our comparison of conventional cotton vs organic cotton and see for yourself which comes out on top. Conventional cotton is often harvested by machines to keep up with the rush of high demand. The lack of chemicals in all of this aids in maintaining the natural purity and soft texture. Your organic cotton t-shirt may have actually used up more resources to produce than one made of conventionally grown cotton, and could have a greater overall impact on the environment. Eco clothing is a challenging topic because we must weigh the pros and cons of each option, such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, silk, and others. Certified organic cotton is cotton fiber that has been grown without pesticides and fertilizers, through a process that preserves biodiversity, biological cycles and soil well-being. A textile is a woven or knit material made of natural or artificial fibers (yarns). In one year (2014-2015), organic cotton crops saved 288.7 million kilowatts of energy (the equivalent of a 60w bulb glowing for 549,314 years) compared to conventional cotton crops. Cotton, Inc. and Textile Exchange state that an organic cotton T-Shirt requires 86 gallons of water to produce versus 2,168 gallons for a conventional cotton shirt. It’s usually sized, all using natural oils to help in that process. Percale is a type of plain weave and is used mostly for bed sheets. Some sources say organic cotton uses less water than regular cotton. Organic cotton produces around 46% less CO2e compared to conventional cotton. Because this specific question about the topic of water usage is so controversial, we’ve taken a look at both sides of the story and found legitimate study results to explain our answer. All cotton is grown from the ground, so what makes organic cotton so special? Organic cotton is a sustainable and eco-friendly option to regular cotton. First of all, the source of information is crucial when it comes to these statistics and big claims. That’s because cotton–organic or conventional–doesn’t dry quickly when it gets wet, especially if it’s cold outside. It also uses far less water to grow since organic cotton growers typically utilize rain far more than irrigation. Themes Therefore, the organic cotton growers have to charge more for their produce. If you’re looking for organic cotton products, make sure they’ve got the GOTS certificate logo on the label. That’s because in order to be called organic, a requirement is that the cotton is grown without them. This is largely because research indicates that growers of organic cotton typically rely more on rainwater than … That said, organic cotton garments are best reserved for casual dayhikes and day-to-day life, not trekking across Appalachia (or even a weekend backpacking trip). It is a beautiful, quality, functional material all on its own. Second, during the manufacturing process, organic cotton is not bleached or treated with toxic chemicals. Yes, as mentioned before, chemical residues are often a big problem for people who use conventional cotton products. For outdoor pursuits, that means a higher chance you’ll get blisters if your socks are cotton, chafing and sagging if you’re wearing cotton shorts or shirts, and really heavy clothing and gear if any of it gets wet. This makes organic cotton softer than conventional cotton because its fibers remain longer. Sustainable Fabrics: Conventional Cotton vs Organic Cotton, https://textileexchange.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Textile-Exchange_Quick-Guide-To-Organic-Cotton_2017.pdf, https://www.soilassociation.org/media/11662/coolcotton.pdf, How to Repair Outdoor Gear – Basic Outdoor Gear Maintenance and Repair, BioLite CampStove 2 Review – Everything you need to know about the BioLite CampStove, Sleep in Your Car: A Prius Platform Build (with no backseats), Sustainability Spotlight: Knickey Organic Cotton Underwear, Sustainability Spotlight: A Q&A with Picture Organic Clothing, New Osprey Rook vs Osprey Atmos Backpack Review, Challenger K1 Kayak Review: Inflatable Kayak Review 2020, The Best Vegan Hiking Boots and Shoes of 2020. On top of that, as organic cotton is softer than conventional cotton, it’s much more delicate on your skin, making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin, children and babies. This extends to safety regulations, fair payment, and of course, the working conditions. Quality doesn’t come cheap! It’s as easy as that! The usual cotton is machine-cleaned. Whereas cotton, if it's not 100% organic, is grown with the use of a lot of pesticides and herbicides, most of which are known to be quite dangerous for our health.

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