Organic Cotton Fabric Shop
What’s different about organic cotton?
No toxic chemicals
are used in the processing and manufacturing of organic
cotton products. It is produced on farms where no synthetic chemical
pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers have been used for at least
three years.
Why buy organic cotton?
It’s good for your health - and the health of those who farm
it.
The human body
is like a sponge; it soaks up chemicals through the lungs, the skin
and the digestive system. Once chemicals have
entered the body they are absorbed into the blood stream where they
circulate and can affect the whole body.
As much as 60%
of what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bodies. Children
are more at risk because their skin is 5 times thinner.
Evidence
is strong and growing that chemical exposure contributes significantly
to the rise in many chronic diseases. A new synthesis of
peer-reviewed science entitled " The
Health Case for Reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act ," documents
the enormous health care costs of treating cancer, learning and
developmental disabilities, asthma and other diseases and conditions linked
to chemical exposure.
You
spend one-third of your life in bed. Make sure you spend
that time healthily.
Sleep in organic sheets and avoid exposing your body to constant low levels of
unnecessary chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate, parabens, chemical dyes
and formaldehyde (used
to create “wrinkle-free” cotton), which can cause rashes, asthma etc. Organic
cotton reduces health risks especially for those with allergies, asthma or chemical
sensitivities.
Sleep well knowing that your purchases have not caused farm or factory workers
undue exposure to chemicals.
Proprietor Abby Killey visiting and learning about organic cotton in Peru.
It’s
good for the environment.
The term “organic” describes the products of agriculture that use no
pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Organic methods consider
the whole ecosystem and use natural techniques to assist plant growth, repel
pests and protect and encourage wildlife habitats. Instead of using agricultural
pesticides, beneficial organisms such as parasites and natural enemies are used
Organic cotton is cotton that has been grown without chemical pesticides, defoliants
or synthetic fertilizers. Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials
that have a low impact on the environment. Fertilizers that are used include
compost, manure, and naturally derived mineral and plant fertilizers. Crop rotation
is used to ensure healthy soil and provide diversity.
The sustainable practices used to grow organic cotton do not pollute groundwater,
surface water, soil or air. In fact, soil quality is actually improved
by the production of organic cotton. Organic cultivation practices use less water
than “conventional” methods.
It’s good stuff!
Organic cotton has denser fibers and produces cloth that is beautifully soft,
more durable and holds its shape better - even when washed repeatedly.
Facts
about conventional cotton:
Conventional cotton is the world’s most sprayed crop. Though only 5% of
the world’s agricultural land is used for cotton, conventional cotton uses nearly
25% of all insecticides and 10% of all the pesticides applied to agricultural
crops. More than two billion pounds of synthetic fertilizers and 84 million pounds
of pesticides per year are used to produce conventional cotton. One cotton
tee shirt literally represents a handful of chemicals. These chemicals
find their way through the soil and into waterways. Additional chemicals are
added to various processing steps. Chemical residuals remain in the cotton
all the way through processing and into your clothes and sheets. Much of the
excessive water used on conventional cotton is associated with the application
of chemicals. A large percentage of conventional cotton involves the use of genetically
modified organisms (GMO). Research has not concluded that these GMO products
are not harmful to ecosystems or human health.
Cottonseed is
made into cottonseed oil that is used in many common and snack foods.
Cottonseed is also widely used as food for livestock. Toxic
chemicals used on conventional cotton thus pass into the food chain.
Organic Standards and Certification
All fabric sold at the Organic Cotton Fabric Shop is
100% Certified Organic Cotton. Though certification
does add to the cost, we feel that it adds to our sense of
confidence in the products.
“Certified
Organic" means the item has been grown according
to strict uniform standards that are verified by independent
state or private organizations. Certification includes inspections
of farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping,
and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers
and handlers are meeting the standards that have been set.
Why does organic cost more?
As demand for
organic cotton grows, the cost will come down.
Organic farmers
don’t receive federal subsidies like conventional farmers do. The
price of organic cotton reflects the true cost of growing.
Organic farming is more labor and management intensive.
Organic farms are usually smaller than conventional farms and so do
not benefit from the economies of scale that larger growers can.
DEMAND ORGANIC COTTON!
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The Organic Cotton Fabric Shop is located in lovely,
rural Bodega, California. We are just inland from Bodega Bay,in West Sonoma County, approximately 65 miles north of San Francisco.
Come on by and visit!
Sweet dreams……..