At Paire, we’re all about clothing that feels good and is even better for the planet. That’s why we chose to use 100% organic cotton for our latest staple t-shirt.
What is organic cotton?
Conventional cotton farming often relies on nasty chemicals that harm wildlife and cause pollution. True organic cotton is cultivated exclusively through natural methods. That means no genetically modified crops or harmful pesticides are involved. It’s a far more sustainable option.
The benefits?
There are plenty of advantages to using organic cotton. It’s beneficial to the farmers, consumers and the environment. Here’s why we think it’s great.
No nasties
One of the major perks of going 100% organic? No pesticides or insecticides. That means farmers avoid the nasty health risks, and local ecosystems stay free from harmful chemicals. It’s a win for everyone—humans, wildlife, and the planet.
GOTS
Ever seen a GOTS certified product and wondered what that was all about? The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) ensures organic cotton farmers adhere to strict rules throughout the growing process to keep production clean and ethical. A good rule of thumb to follow is to always look for GOTS-certified organic cotton products — an indicator that the garment is up to scratch.
Less water pollution
This is a big one. Often nicknamed the ‘thirsty crop’, traditional cotton requires lots of water to grow. But the chemicals used during production pollute the waterways — damaging water ecosystems and drinking water. Organic cotton? Grown without nasty chemicals, ensuring there’s no risk to water supplies.
Naturally hypoallergenic
With no skin-irritating chemicals involved, organic cotton is sensitive skin’s best friend. Plus, not having made contact with harsh chemicals means the fabric feels softer and gentler on the skin too.
Increased durability
Harsh chemicals used to produce conventional cotton, like bleach and synthetic dyes, weaken the fabric fibres over time. So when you choose 100% organic, you can guarantee that your garment will last longer. Good for your wallet, great for the earth.
Organic cotton is a more sustainable and ethical alternative to conventional cotton.
Are there any downsides to organic cotton?
Nobody’s perfect. While clearly a more ethical and sustainable option, there are still some things to consider with going organic.
Since organic cotton yields fewer fibres than GMO cotton, it requires more crops and more land to produce. As a result, there’s fewer organic cotton farms. Currently, there isn’t enough grown to meet the market demand that non-organic cotton can fill.
Growing organic is also more expensive. Anything certified organic needs to be rigorously tested — which is time-consuming and costly. This means a lot of smaller businesses don’t have the resources to grow organic.
Final thoughts
While it’s not without its faults, it’s a far better option all around. We hope this information helps you to make an informed decision when purchasing cotton products.
