All over the world, crowds have shifted and made a transition into organic clothing, from conventional clothing. This switch has seen a significant difference in quality and the effect of the fabric on our skin. Compared to the arisal of skin allergies and diseases as a common effect of wearing conventional clothing, Organic clothing is chemical free, which allows soothing benefits on the skin.
Specifically, in Organic clothing, a commonly used fabric is Cotton. It is said to be the 'fabric of life', because of its diverse nature. Cotton can be used for multiple purposes, from summer clothes to kitchen towels and tote bags as well.
Today, regular development of Cotton is through commercial farming. Cotton is said to be an 'environmentally demanding' crop, which involves the usage of agrochemicals like pesticides, leading to detrimental effects on both the environment and the skin.
What is Organic Cotton Farming?
Simply put, organic cotton farming is done without the use of agrochemicals. Seep into the crop and soil. These include pesticides, fertilizers and other chemical enhancers which are commonly used in commercial farming.
With the absence of such chemicals, this type of farming relies solely on the cotton crop itself to flourish and thrive without the need for any artificial input. Similarly, by not using such chemicals, the soil and water remain free of toxic substances, keeping it unpolluted.
Aside from being a friendly method of farming to the environment, Organic Cotton has many more benefits described below.
1. Ecological
Apart from the benefits of being a zero-polluter to water and soil, organic cotton farming also utilizes lower carbon by using a smaller amount of fuel and energy in this method, leading to a lower portion of air polluted as compared to traditional farming.
The lack of chemicals also benefits those who are working on the cotton farm, as they are not exposed to toxic substances.
By omitting the use of excessive fertilizers and pesticides, organic cotton farming is a friend to the environment as it stops the contamination of our natural resources with chemicals that may cause irreversible damage to both flora and fauna.
2. Ethical Guidelines
Producing organic Cotton is a process involving strict manufacturing standards relating to quality and ethicality. Such guidelines are set in place, keeping in mind the environment as well as the people involved in the farming and manufacturing process.
Particularly for Cotton, there are worldwide movements that support and promote its production, such as Fairtrade Cotton and Better Cotton Initiative. Requirements of these organizations are ethical, with concerns for the farmer's health and safety alongside the farming method's water-footprint during production.
3. Safe for the Skin
For people whose skin is hypersensitive to chemicals and react aggressively to a specific chemical allergy, organic Cotton is a boon from heaven. Not only for sensitive skin, but organic cotton is a breathable fabric which can be soothing to the skin and is a perfect fabric to wear during the summer heat.
4. Avoid unnecessary medical bills
Produced from a farming process that omits all use of chemicals, skin allergies are drastically reduced, and so is the spending and concerning dermatologists and skin conditions. Organic Cotton provides you with more comfort while also taking care of your skin, evading any extraordinary expenses on dramatic skin treatments.
Not only this but when you buy organic Cotton, you also help farmers reduce their medical bills. Similarly, they are no longer divulged in labour that requires compromising their health in the midst of toxic substances and can be free of the anxiety regarding their wellbeing as well.
5. Improved and stable mental health
Since the anxiety and stress of unnecessary and exorbitant medical expenses are reduced for both cotton weavers and farmers, both parties experience improved mental health with a stable peace of mind. The stress can occur from the effect of fabric on skin, causing issues or the development of debt due to unreachable hospital expenditures can slowly become a significant burden which is difficult to evade off, especially for lower-class workers like farmers.
6. A significant decline in deaths
While handling such powerful chemicals as used in agriculture, farmers have to take significant risks and precautions to stay safe. However, there have been instances where chemicals were mishandled or used irresponsibly, leading to detrimental injuries, irreversible body conditions and unfortunately, even some casualties in farm labour.
This usually occurs among farmers in poor and developing countries, where lack of information and education is a persistent problem. Instead, using methods to organically grow Cotton prevents such adverse events and maintains the wellbeing of everyone involved in the farming process.
7. Raises awareness and promotes sustainability
The more people that wear organic cotton clothing, the more awareness is spread about the worldwide movement towards sustainability. Every consumer who actively purchases organic clothing is educated about their responsibilities towards the earth we thrive on and the steps that can be taken to preserve and protect our environment.
The real welfare of choosing to wear Organic Cotton is immeasurable, with many effects on the third party like farmers and the environment. Apart from individualistic benefits, organic cotton clothing has a heap of beneficial consequences which are discovered every day as we strive to continue to produce sustainably and mindfully.