Organic Cotton

Today, I’m wearing jeans and a t-shirt, neither of which are made from organic cotton. The environmental implications of my simple jeans and a t-shirt are much more significant than I imagined. According to the November 2009 US Cotton Market Monthly Economic Letter, the United States will produce 19.2 million pounds of cotton t his year alone. The world’s cotton production is about 120 million pounds. Of all of the cotton in the United States, 3.2 million pounds are organically grown. The 16 million pounds of cotton that is not grown organically in the United States are full of pesticides. 10 percent of the world’s pesticide use is just for cotton, and 25 percent of the world’s insecticides are sprayed on cotton fields. That means right now I’m wearing roughly one pound of chemicals just from a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

Some of the sprays used on cotton are among the most toxic in the world and have been linked to immune issues, birth defects and reproductive disorders. The insecticides and pesticides used on “traditional” cotton crops are not the only environmental concern. The majority of the world’s cotton is still picked by hand. Any harmful effects caused by the insecticides and pesticides directly affect those harvesting the cotton. The chemicals seep into the soil, also possibly effecting water supply. Cottonseed oil is also a common ingredient in baked goods and salad dressings. We all come into contact with the contaminants in cotton. Irrigation for cotton is also extensive, as cotton uses the most water of all agricultural crops. Organic cotton farmers, besides helping the environment, also produce arguably a better product. Organic cotton fabrics are softer and better for the skin. Also, smaller organic farmers supply a less expensive product as they do not have to buy copious amounts of pesticides and insecticides.

The demand for organic cotton has increased along with its popularity. Patagonia, among other brands and smaller boutiques are incorporating organic cotton clothing into their lines. Patagonia, after researching where their cotton originated, made the switch to using only organic cotton for their clothing, “[Organic] methods support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, improve the quality of soil and often use less water. Growing organically takes more time, requires more knowledge and skill, and, for now, costs more. But it's worth it.”