Cotton has been rightly hailed as “fabric of our lives”.
Cotton has been rightly hailed as “fabric of our lives”. Right from the time of birth, cotton is one thing which accompanies us in one form or another. Be it in the form of diapers that babies wear, to everyday adult wear, bedsheets or any other form of linen – Cotton is an important aspect of our everyday life.
What is organic cotton?
Organic cotton has recently become a buzz-word. And yet there are many who are not sure about how exactly is it different from the usual cotton variety. So in simple words, organic cotton is a cotton variety which is cultivated without the use of chemicals in any form – be it as fertilizers, insectidies or/ and pesticides. The result is you get cotton which is 100% natural and is cultivated wihtout causing any harm to the soil or the water table of that area. In short, organic cotton is the most efficient way in which cotton can be cultivated.
Studies have shown that around 10% of world’s pesticides and 25% of world’s insecticides are used in cotton cultivation. The health risks of pesticide exposure includes, though is not limited to weak immune system, reproductive disorders as well as birth defects.
Apart from clothes, many other products like cookies, salad dressing and baked goods too contain cottonseed. Thus the chances of being exposed to chemicals at one point or another is quiet high. It is for this very reason that switching to products made of organic cotton becomes all the more important.
Advantages of organic cotton
In a survey conducted by the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture in Andhra Pradesh, it has been seen that since Bt Cotton is prone to pest attacks, growing organic cotton is far more cheaper. Thus it is a better option for cotton farmers and will also bring down the number of farmer suicides which are a result of failed crop.
Also unlike conventional cotton production, organic cotton farming does not result in poisoning or any other health problems in the farmer. Though it might sound a trivial thing, but the problem of poisoning due to chemical pesticides and insecticides is a major reason behind the death of thousands of poor farmers in India and many other developing countried. On the other hand, organic cotton is safe for both the cultivator as well as the end user.
Also unlike conventional cotton production, organic cotton farming does not result in poisoning or any other health problems in the farmer. Though it might sound a trivial thing, but the problem of poisoning due to chemical pesticides and insecticides is a major reason behind the death of thousands of poor farmers in India and many other developing countried. On the other hand, organic cotton is safe for both the cultivator as well as the end user.
From the point of view of businessmen and traders, they can easily gain goodwill due to the credibility and image of organic product as well as take the necessary steps required for risk and quality management.
Why should you switch to organic cotton?
Clothings made from organic cotton are soothing, good for your skin and brings down the chances of allergies and infections. This is more so in case of new born babies and small kids. Their skin is quite fragile and sensitive, which is why it becomes all the more important that you use linen which is chemical-free. These days the market is flooded with synthetic baby diapers, the result of which is that most mothers complain about rashes on their baby’s skin. The best option would be to go for organic baby diapers. These diapers are made of 100% organic cotton, have no chemicals, are super-absorbent and most of all are reusable (thereby cost-effective).
The same way, many females have problems with the menstural pads available in the market. Not only do these pads cause rashes but the harmful chemicals present in them may lead to ovarian cancer, hormone dysfuntion, impaired fertility along with pelvic inflammatory disease. This is why experts recommend the use of organic menstrual cloth pads. These are soft on the skin and free of chemicals and thereby safe for health.
Apart from being used for these specific conditions, organic cotton clothings are perhaps the best way in which you can survive in the hot humid climate of India. It in fact acts like the natural air-conditioners, which make you feel fresh throughout the day.
Therefore you must choose organic cotton and products made of it, because it is
- Of better quality than the conventional cotton
- Reduces pollution
- Causes fewer allergies
- Prevents water contamination, conserves biodiversity and improves the quality of the land
Thus organic is the way to live – for yourself, for environment as well as for the future generation.
