Organic Cotton

Photo Source: Brain Hathcock

While attending the Midwest Green Festival in Chicago last weekend, we viewed the newest trends in the green scene.  One material, organic cotton, seemed to be rising substantially in popularity.   From sheets to bags to shirts, organic cotton was the preferred material for many of the latest green products.  This is a remarkable step forward as there is a drastic difference between conventional and organic cotton.

Conventionally grown cotton occupies only 3% of the world’s farmland, but uses 25% of the world’s pesticides.  These numbers make cotton the most pesticide-intensive crop on the planet.  Once sprayed pesticides often contaminate groundwater which affects many aspects of an eco-system including the water we drink.  The danger of cotton pesticides extends well beyond just harming the water supply. Cotton is also an important food source for humans and animals.  When harvested cotton fibers are sent to textile mills, while cotton seed is used for food in the form of cottonseed oil.  Cottonseed oil is a common ingredient in potato chips, salad dressings and processed foods.

Farmers of organic cotton take a more systematic approach to harvesting cotton.  They substitute biologically-based defense systems for chemicals, which include the use of beneficial predator insects, intercropping and biological pesticides.  Managing a problem, instead of eliminating it through chemicals, creates a balanced ecosystem so the plant and other species can thrive together.   

The practice of farming cotton organically is on the rise.  According to the 2008 Organic Cotton Farm and Fiber Report, organic cotton farming grew 152% during the 07-08 growing season.  This increase is now present in our supply chain and many products are being made from organic cotton.  So the next time you are given the choice between conventionally grown cotton or organic, remember the impact of each when it comes to the environment.