THE PROBLEM WITH CONVENTIONAL COTTON PRODUCTION
Labels on cotton wear often read "100% pure cotton," but in reality, conventionally grown cotton is far from pure. Tons of pesticides, herbicides, defoliants and synthetic fertilizers are used in the growing process. Furthermore, more chemicals such as dyes and bleaches are added in the finishing process. In simple terms, the growth and manufacturing of conventional cotton contaminate soil and ground water, drift into neighboring communities and pose long-term health threats to farmers, laborers and the general public. Indirectly, these chemicals can also enter the human food chain through cottonseed oil.
So serious are the negative impacts of chemical-intensive production that momentum for change has grown considerably. Farmers, enlightened companies and informed consumers calling for greater social and environmental accountability, support the trend toward more environmentally friendly production.
So there is an alternative: organic cotton. There are farmers who have been growing cotton without harmful chemicals for years. Their yield is high and the quality of the cotton they grow is equal to or better than conventionally grown cotton.
ORGANIC COTTON BRING HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS
Eco-friendly methods support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. These practices are thereby better for farm workers, don't contaminate air and water and is not a threat to wildlife.
Growing organically takes more time, requires more knowledge and skill, and, for now, costs more. But it's worth it.
CERTIFICATION OF ORGANIC COTTON
Certification of organic cotton production assures the buyer of the organic status of the product.
Certification is a system that sets standards, ensures that standards are met and communicates compliance to consumers through appropriate labeling.
FAIR TRADE PRINCIPLES
Fair trade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
A fair price in the regional or local context is one that has been agreed through dialogue and participation. It covers not only the costs of production but enables production that is socially just and environmentally sound. It provides fair pay to the producers and takes into account the principle of equal pay for equal work by women and men.
Fair trade means a safe and healthy working environment for producers. The participation of children (if any) does not adversely affect their wellbeing, security, educational requirements and need for play and conforms to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as the law and norms in the local context.
YOU HAVE THE POWER
Take the time to read the label when shopping for cotton clothing and other cotton products. Consider the facts associated with conventionally grown and processed cotton. Then, consciously, make your choice. Remember that the cost of organic cotton will continue to fall as farmers move over to organic farming, while the costs of conventional cotton will continue to rise as farmers pass on the costs of pesticide regulation, hazardous waste disposal, heath care and environmental damage to buyers.
We sincerely hope that by making beautiful organic items available to you, we can help to shape a better, healthier future. Organic cotton benefits our long-term health, the planet and the wellbeing of generations to come.
WANT TO KNOW MORE
Organic Shopping & Lifestyle www.organicconsumers.org
www.thegreenguide.com
www.treehugger.com
www.zerofootprint.net
www.allorganiclinks.com
www.organic.com
www.greenpeople.com
www.thegreenguide.com
Green for Kids
www.meetthegreens.org
www.timeforkids.com
www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids
www.epa.gov/kids
www.ecokids.ca
http://edugreen.teri.res.in.
Friends in Singapore
www.artcanbefun.com
www.sunbearpublishing.com
www.emmaperrinflowers.com
www.lorganic.sg
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