From food to baby clothing in recent years, the term “organic” has drawn a great deal of attention. As increasing numbers of people in this country, and around the world, emphasize the importance of sustainable practices, they expect the same of the companies and industries with which they do business.
With world population numbers continuing to grow and resources becoming scarcer, sustainability – a hallmark of organic farming- is more important than ever before. For many people, though, the term “organic” is little more than a buzzword and more education is needed as to what exactly goes into making cotton organic.
The cotton in organic cotton baby clothes is farmed with the aim of eliminating the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and genetically engineered seed while at the same time maximizing soil and plant health. Strict regulation is applied to all organic cotton sold in the United States, regardless of where it was grown. There are currently three integral processes that distinguish generic cotton from the organic cotton used in organic cotton baby clothes.
- No toxic pesticides. Cotton bolls attract bugs, like Lygus, which can devastate cotton crops. Traditionally, bugs that threatened cotton were combated aggressively with pesticides. Progressive practices, such as introducing other insects that prey on the Lygus, have proven a viable alternative to toxic pesticides.
- No synthetic fertilizers. Farmers have long understood that crop rotation makes for healthy, fertile soil. Instead of relying on synthetic fertilizers, organic cotton farmers rotate crops and plant buffer crops that attract predatory insects on their farms throughout the year.
- Certification. Organic cotton must meet the strict requirements set forth in the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS).
Cotton has been grown and used by humans for over 2,500 years, with cultivation processes evolving slowly over time. The cultivation of organic cotton continues to grow worldwide, establishing modern organic processes as yet another step in the evolution of cotton farming.
While there is still more cotton grown through traditional than organic methods, the continuing growth of organic cotton farming is likely to make more people aware of organic farming practices in the coming years. We’re proud to bring you organic cotton baby clothes and gifts as part of this growing movement.
For more information about organic cotton check these valuable resources:
Global Organic Textile Standards
Sustainable Cotton
Green Basics – Organic Cotton
Wikipedia – Organic Cotton
For an educational look at how organic cotton farming can help communities, enjoy this video.
