It’s a new era of all things organic and sustainable; or rather, it is the awakening of a bygone era where the soil was respected, crops were truly cared for, and natural methods came… well… naturally. Today, we all are looking to go back to the simpler times when food was nutritious and cotton was used to create durable, hypoallergenic apparel most suited to the human skin.
While we all hear about organic foods, organic cotton is still a vague concept to some – even though the Organic Trade Association marks that the organic cotton industry witnessed 31% growth in 2020.
So, what is organic cotton and why is it especially recommended for baby apparel?
Unlike regular cotton, organic cotton is usually grown using sustainable farming practices with natural cotton seeds that are not genetically modified (GMO), and the soil is cared for without the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides.
Top reasons you should buy organic cotton attire for babies versus the regular cotton kind:
- No Chemicals or Pesticides: The lack of chemicals and pesticides is a blessing to the soil and the environment as well as to human health. Each year millions of agricultural workers worldwide suffer from chemical poisoning owing to the “fast-track” and chemical-heavy farming methods adopted today. Increasing resistance to chemical pesticides means increased dosages and unspeakable harm to land and health as well. With the ban on toxic chemical usage for organic farming, the farmers and neighbouring residents enjoy better health.
- Durability:The fibres of organically grown cotton are longer and better enmeshed to create more durable and softer fabric. Additionally, the process also demands the use of natural dyes for colouring. So, the clothes are less likely to run and last longer as well. While organic cotton is slightly higher priced than mass-produced cotton, for something with such a positive impact, it is worth the nominal premium for long-lasting comfort. And responsible designers and brands, in the interest of encouraging the shift to organic cotton, are choosing reasonable price points to make it more accessible to all.
- Less Environmental Impact:Organic Cotton is produced using sustainable methods. With the use of natural fertilizers, the soil is enriched, and less water and energy are utilized in this kind of farming. Additionally, research suggests that organic cotton is responsible for 40% less CO2 emissions and 94% less greenhouse gas emissions as well. The dyes used during the processing of organic cotton are natural rather than chemical-laden. For this reason, the treated wastewater from organic cotton manufacture is not damaging to health and wellness.
- More Comfort for Baby:Organic cotton is hypoallergenic and is unlikely to cause rashes or allergic reactions. One less reason for baby to cry! Baby skin is softer and more porous than that of adults, prone to absorb more from things they encounter. The chemicals used in conventional cotton farming are harmful to a very high degree and can get absorbed by baby’s tender skin in the early months. Organic cotton on the other hand is made without these carcinogenic chemicals and is gentle, soft, and breathable against the baby’s still-developing skin.
- Social and Economic Benefits to the Farmers and Factory Workers: As farmers don’t use GMO seeds in organic cotton farming, they are not bound by the contracts from large corporations that supply them. This gives farmers the freedom to grow food crops alongside cotton for consumption, and plan better crop rotation, thereby saving costs and increasing income. Owing to the mandates for organic cotton and the price it commands, manufacturing units too can afford better working conditions and fair wages for their factory staff.
We, at Frangipani, are strong promoters of organic cotton, and we use responsible practices along the entire chain to give you environmentally conscious, soft, durable, chemical-free, organic cotton attire. We leave the world, the environment, and the system better than when we found it. And we cherish the appreciation of parents who enjoy the comfort of their newborns with special smiles and cozy cuddles. We thank you for choosing responsibly. We thank you for choosing us.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Is organic cotton 100% cotton?
The key difference between organic cotton and 100% cotton lies in the production process for the two. Organic cotton has to be grown without chemical pesticides, defoliants, or fertilizers for at least three years. Here natural fertilizers and fertilizing techniques are used instead of the conventional chemical-based ones that harm the soil and the environment.
- What is the difference between organic cotton & cotton?
Conventional cotton uses chemical pesticides in farming to kill pests, bugs, or weeds. Exposure to these leads to illnesses and health issues including Cancer, Reproductivity issues, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, etc. Organic farmers grow cotton. without these synthetic fertilizers or pesticides thereby protecting the soil, the environment, and human health. About 53% of the world’s cotton is irrigated (depleting groundwater) whereas about 70% to 80% of organic cotton is rain-fed, using less water from natural ecosystems. Non-organic cotton uses GMO seeds. Organic farmers choose natural seeds, allowing them better crop rotation. So, organic cotton farming reduces carbon emissions due to crop rotation techniques that keep carbon from entering the atmosphere.
- Is organic cotton better for your skin?
Yes, organic cotton is better for your skin. Regular cotton uses up to 8000 synthetic chemicals – most of which are not found in organic cotton. Since there is no chemical retention in organic cotton clothing, the cotton is hypoallergenic and feels better against your skin too. While everyone should choose organic cotton, babies, children, and people with allergies or with specific chemical sensitivity especially benefit from it.
- Is organic cotton vegan?
While cotton is not animal-derived and considered suitable for the vegan lifestyle, the methods used to grow non-organic cotton may cause ethical concerns for some. Hence, it is recommended to use organic cotton which is grown sustainably and without harmful chemicals to truly choose the cruelty-free option.
