Is it Really better?
“ORGANIC“ – Very powerful to organisations wishing to get your trust and your money. I believe organic means something grown without the use of chemicals and has not been genetically modified to increase yields.
I would also take it for granted that as they are looking after the planet with such a passion that they are looking after their employees also.
Let's get some facts - Whats the difference - Organic or Non-Organic Cotton
In fairness having worn an Organic T-Shirt, there is a difference and I would not be so quick to move back to regular cotton as the quality of Organic Cotton is obvious to the touch immediately.
Cotton is Machine picked and Organic cotton Hand picked, the hand picking ensures there is no damage to the cotton fibres (this ensures they have longer cotton fibres which gives Organic Cotton a softer to the touch feel and ensures they are more durable), unlike the machine picked that is driven by time management studies and profit.
Non-Organic Cotton
Organic Cotton
The Seed
Non-Organic Cotton is a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO). The seeds are designed to resist insects that could destroy them. But as with any circle of life the insects become immune over time and more stronger / harmful chemicals are needed.
Organic Cotton uses Natural seeds, no chemicals are used. In order to manage the Bugs that would destroy the crop Insects are used. Hence the claim Organic Cotton is better for the skin.
The Farming
Herbicides are used during the farming process to kill weeds. These harmful chemicals indeed kill the weeds but also put the farmers in danger and reduces the nutrients and moisture in the soil
Good old fashioned hard work from farmers removes the weeds on Organic farms, this keeps the quality of the Cottons untarnished by chemicals
The Picking
Machine picked that is driven by time management studies and profit accepting that the greater yield covers any damages.
The hand picking ensures there is no damage to the cotton fibres (this ensures they have longer fibres which gives Organic Cotton a softer to the touch feel and ensures they are more durable
The Final Processing
Chemicals including heavy metals. Eczema has been long linked to Non-Organic Cotton.
Using safer alternatives such as water-based or natural dyes.
Based on the above
There is not much competition here and no need for me to be bias one way or another Organic Cotton is harder wearing, softer to the touch but most of all protecting the life of this planet and the workers on the farm, reducing water wastage in the long term.
Final Thought.......
It appears to me that the best choice we can all make is to buy fewer clothes and where possible recycle. How many clothes do we own that get lost at the back of the wardrobe or cupboard only to be replaced by new ones that in time will go to the same place those odd socks 🧦 go 😂
£2.4 Billion expected to be spent on clothes that are hardly ever worn at Christmas time (2019) That’s just for that 1 Christmas party.
There must be a better way, no wonder Clothes Hire sites are popping up all over the Internet, will this become the New Normand