Organic Hero: The benefits of organic cotton

We love clothes made of pure soft cotton! And we are not alone in this, because cotton is one of the most popular and most produced textile fibers worldwide. No wonder: it is breathable, tear-resistant, absorbent, and also very kind to the skin, allergy-friendly and durable. What's not to love? Due to the numerous advantages for clothing, bed linen and Co, around 25 million tons of cotton are harvested every year - but only a miserable percent of them according to ecologically sustainable guidelines. This has devastating effects on nature. 

FROM AGRICULTURE TO WATER SHORTAGES: THE PROBLEMS OF COTTON FARMING

Conventional cotton needs warmth, sunshine and lots of water to grow properly. Originally, the perennial plant was therefore cultivated in tropical areas. In the meantime, however, cotton is cultivated annually to increase yields and grown extensively in dry areas. The big problem of growing in tropical areas: massive rain quickly rots the cotton buds. In dry areas, however, artificial irrigation is now required in large quantities for proper growth. Rivers are often dammed for this purpose, which in turn causes the groundwater level to drop and barren soil to become salinated, with negative effects on the crop yields for local farmers. The growing conditions of cotton from warm climate to humid conditions also encourage pest propagation. To combat the pests, large amounts of pesticides are used, which end up in the soil and ultimately in the groundwater. Furthermore, conventionally grown cotton is usually harvested mechanically using toxic defoliants for reasons of yield. 

Not only the environment, but also the local population suffers from the consequences: lack of water, poor harvests and health problems caused by high levels of pesticides are just some of the problems. Since there is hardly any occupational safety, especially in developing countries, the workers come into direct contact with the toxic chemicals of the pesticides when harvesting the cotton. 

THAT'S WHY WE GO FOR ORGANIC

Organic cotton is simply more sustainable than conventional cotton because it is grown according to ecological and socially responsible guidelines: without agrochemicals, without genetic engineering, with natural methods and with a focus on protecting workers!  

The use of pesticides is forbidden, instead, alternative strategies are used to combat pests. For example, the cultivation of sunflowers around the cotton plantation has proven itself, since experience has shown that these attract the pests more than the cotton plants. Without pesticides, the pests' natural enemies are also more likely to survive, ensuring a natural balance in the ecological system. 
Organic cotton is usually picked by hand. Overall, the yields of the organic cotton harvest are usually lower, but the environment and workers are protected because the use of toxic defoliants is eliminated. The farmers generally benefit in terms of health due to the reduced contact with agrochemicals.
Instead of artificial fertilizers, manure and compost are used naturally - this means that the humus content of the soil is relatively high, and more water and CO2 can be absorbed. Ultimately, this significantly reduces the water consumption for cultivation. In addition, the organic cotton is grown alternately with other plant species to avoid monoculture. This keeps the soil more fertile and less susceptible to erosion and pest infestation. 

In general, the profit margin of organic cotton is higher because there are no costs for pesticides and fertilizers and at the same time there are higher market prices for organic cotton. Through multi-cultivation and variety of different plants, independence from the sole sale of organic cotton is achieved.

SUPPORT THE DIFFERENCE

Ultimately, by buying clothing made from certified organic cotton, you support the protection of the soil, biodiversity and the health of the workers. Win win: Organic cotton is also much gentler on your skin than conventionally grown cotton.

ECIZO stands for fair, environmentally friendly fashion and offers high-quality clothing and accessories made from certified sustainable and natural materials. Test the difference and get your new favorite cotton item in the finest organic quality: sustainable tops , dresses , T-shirts or trousers made from organic cotton are available for women ,  men  and childrenavailable in the most stylish and beautiful variants.