More than half the worlds’ need for fibre is supplied by cotton. Cotton is promoted as a ‘natural’ fibre and when we put our new baby in cotton nappies, that lovely soft cotton baby sleepsuit and slip her into those cotton sheets we think of purity, comfort and cleanliness. That is not the case. In fact cotton production and processing involve the heavy use of chemicals.
The textile industry uses chemicals that are dangerous to human health and wildlife. Many of the chemicals used are acutely toxic, and are classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as moderately hazardous to extremely hazardous. According to the Soil Association, the conventional cotton farmer uses around 150 grams of pesticides to grow the cotton required for one T-shirt – that is the equivalent of one cup of sugar.
Organic cotton is produced without the use of harsh chemicals. Instead farmers use natural fertilisers, compost and use of natural pest control.
Our bodies are capable of absorbing up to 60% of what goes against our skin. Your baby’s skin is five times thinner than your own, making it more susceptible to the absorption of harmful toxins into his/her body.
1,Quality
The benefit of producing cotton organically, to the consumer - especially our babies- is the softness and quality that only organic cotton can provide. It is truly unmatched and one of the top reasons people choose organic cotton for their delicate baby's skin.
Cotton that is grown in conventional ways is compromised and weakened by the chemicals used in growing, processing and dying of the cotton, all these things break the fibre down and create a weaker, inferior cotton garment, that is why you get a softer, stronger, better cotton using organic.
2,Protection to you and your baby
In choosing organic we are choosing to protect;
- Your baby
- The environment
- Wildife
- The Farmer
· The natural organic materials in the organic baby clothing will not cause irritations or aggravate any skin conditions such as eczema, and any other skin condition your baby may have. It is also suitable for babies with breathing conditions such as asthma.
3,Farmers, Environment and Facts
· It takes roughly one-third of a pound of chemicals (pesticides and fertilizers) to grow enough cotton for just one T-shirt.
· Cotton uses approximately 25% of the world's insecticides and more than 10% of the pesticides (including herbicides, insecticides, and defoliants.). (Allan Woodburn)
· Use of pesticide cause reduced soil fertility, frequent water pollution, reduced biodiversity in the surrounding areas and wild animal and livestock poisoning.
· At least 20,000 people in developing countries die every year from poisoning by agricultural pesticides and 3 million suffer acute or reproductive after effects.
Figures taken from the Pesticide Action Network (PAN UK) - Organic cotton - A practical guide to the UK market
