Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. In addition, federal regulations prohibit the use of genetically engineered seed for organic farming. All cotton sold as organic in the United States and Canada must meet strict federal regulations covering how the cotton is grown.

Let us share some of the facts so you can see how organic cotton differs from conventionally cultivated cotton. For starters…do you know Cotton is considered the world's 'dirtiest' crop due to its heavy use of insecticides, the most hazardous pesticide to human and animal health. Conventional cotton farming starts off with genetically modified seeds which are typically treated with fungicides or insecticides. As the crop matures, synthetic fertilizers along with highly toxic herbicides and pesticides are applied.

Aldicarb, parathion, and methamidopho, three of the most acutely hazardous insecticides to human health as determined by the World Health Organization, rank in the top ten most commonly used in cotton production. All but one of the remaining seven most commonly used are classified as moderately to highly hazardous. Aldicarb, cotton's second best selling insecticide and most acutely poisonous to humans, can kill a man with just one drop absorbed through the skin, yet it is still used in 25 countries and the United States, where 16 states have reported it in their groundwater. The Environmental Protection Agency considers seven of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton in 2000 in the United States as "possible," "likely," "probable," or "known" human carcinogens (acephate, dichloropropene, diuron, fluometuron, pendimethalin, tribufos, and trifluralin.)

It can take almost a 1/3 pound of synthetic fertilizers to grow one pound of raw cotton and it takes just under one pound of raw cotton to make one t-shirt.

Nitrogen synthetic fertilizers are considered the most detrimental to the environment, causing leaching and runoff that freshwater habitats and wells. Nitrogen synthetic fertilizers are a major contributor to increased N2O emissions, which are 300 times more potent than CO2 as greenhouse gas, which is ominous for global warming as synthetic fertilizer use is forecasted to increase roughly 2.5 times by mid-century.

Organic farming methods use natural fertilizers, like compost and animal manure, that recycles the nitrogen already in the soil rather than adding more, which reduces both pollution and N2O emissions.

The cottonseed hull, where many pesticide residues have been detected, is a secondary crop sold as a food commodity. It is estimated that as much as 65% of cotton production ends up in our food chain, whether directly through food oil or indirectly through the milk and meat of animals. Cottonseed and field trash is usually sold for animal feed. Studies in Brazil and Nicaragua have show traces of common cotton pesticides in cow milk, fueling concerns about chemical residues on the cottonseed.

The developing world is home to 99% of all cotton farmers and produces 75% of the world's total cotton, so it bears the brunt of cotton's environmental and health concerns. Rural farmers often lack the necessary safety equipment, protective clothing, and training for handling hazardous pesticides. In India, one in ten pesticide applications results in three or more reported health symptoms related to pesticide exposure. Surveys show that rural cotton farmers often store pesticides in their bedrooms or in close proximity to their food and some even reuse pesticide containers for drinking water. These farmers and their families are at highest risk for acute pesticide poisoning as well as chronic effects.
During the conversion of cotton into conventional clothing, many hazardous materials are used and added to the product, including silicone waxes, harsh petroleum scours, softeners, heavy metals, flame and soil retardants, ammonia, and formaldehyde-just to name a few. Many processing stages result in large amounts of toxic wastewater that carry away residues from chemical cleaning, dyeing, and finishing. This waste depletes the oxygen out of the water, killing aquatic animals and disrupting aquatic ecosystems.  Organic Fiber Processing Standards prohibits these and similar chemicals.

Let us share the numbers...In total, worldwide conventional cotton farming uses 2.03 billion pounds of synthetic fertilizers per year while also using 25% of the world’s insecticides - more than any other single major crop. That’s a lot of toxins, huh?

Fifty-five million pounds of pesticides were sprayed on the 12.8 million acres of conventional cotton grown in the U.S. in 2003 (4.3 pounds/ acre), ranking cotton third behind corn and soybeans in total amount of pesticides sprayed. (USDA). In 1999, a work crew re-entered a cotton field about five hours after it was treated with tribufos and sodium chlorate (re-entry should have been prohibited for 24 hours). Seven workers subsequently sought medical treatment and five have had ongoing health problems. (California DPR)

In stark contrast, organic cotton is grown using methods and materials which have a totally different impact on the environment. All cotton certified as organic must meet strict regulations covering how the cotton is grown. Organic cotton farming starts off by using untreated seeds and never uses GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) seeds. Organic cotton is grown and cultivated without the use of toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and other hazardous chemicals. As a consequence, the health of farmers and their families is improved and their risk of being contaminated by hazardous chemicals is minimized. Taking it a step further, organic production ensures soil fertility is maintained or even improved. Pest infestation is prevented by maintaining a natural balance between potential pests and their natural enemies. Thanks to these methods, groundwater and rivers are kept free of synthetic chemicals.

A balanced ecosystem and enhanced health are just some of the benefits to be gained from growing organic. We all benefit from the economic, social and ecological advantages of organic cotton. When you buy Vintage Earth you are buying a healthy product, having a positive impact on farmers’ lives and are participating in this dynamic industry. Now you know.

*Figures supplied by the Organic Trade Association (OTA)