Why organic?

Why organic clothing?

Most people prefer organic food to conventional just because it tastes better and is healthier without pesticides and toxic fertilizers; some of us are also concerned about the impact on the environment.
To take it a step further switching to organic fabrics for our clothing (fabric, is made from cotton/soy/bamboo plants grown without the use of fertilizers and dyes), many people have turned to it so that they can have the comfort of natural fabric that other people without allergic reactions enjoy every day.

“In order for cotton fabric to be considered as organic cotton fabric, the base cotton plant must be grown in a field that hasn’t been treated with pesticides or chemical fertilizers for at least three years. Because pests must be controlled by mechanical means rather than chemical, it costs a little more, but the higher cost is worth it to many consumers. “ (carefabrics)
“Most people are concerned about global warming, and we try to make small changes in our lives that will have big impacts on the world. When fertilizers are sprayed onto fields, they become a part of the local ecosystem. The fertilizers get into ground water and streams.

These are the same streams that the wildlife drinks from. It is also the same streams that feed the rivers that we get our water from. When we buy from farms that don’t use organic practices, we are in effect poisoning our own water supply while we deteriorate the wildlife around our communities. While you might be aware of the dangers that fertilizers can pose to the plants and animals indigenous to the farm, did you know that fertilizers also contribute to global warming? Lots of fossil fuels are used in the production of fertilizers.
Using organic cotton fabric / clothing is also better for the environment than non-organic cotton.
These fossil fuels release a lot of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. It doesn’t stop with production. When farmers spray their fields with fertilizers it releases nitrous oxide from the ground. Introducing pesticides to the field also makes the dirt more acidic. In order to counter this acidity, a lot of farmers add lime to dirt. This lime makes nitrous oxide. Organic cotton fabric / clothing isn’t just better for the environment, it’s also better for you.

The fertilizers and dyes used in making non-organic cotton fabric can cause the skin to become irritated. Even if you don’t have an allergy now, you can develop one over time as you are continually exposed to the chemicals. By buying fabrics / clothing made of organic cotton you can be more certain that you’re leading a life that has as little negative impact on the environment as possible. You can feel good knowing that you’re helping to reduce the rate of global warming, and you can feel good doing it while you’re wearing cotton fabrics that won’t cause your skin to itch and become irritated.” (carefabrics)

Dear EarthTalk: Where can I find fashionable clothing brands that use organic materials? --Trey Muhlhauser, Chicago, IL

ANSWER: [url=http://www.omshantiyogawear.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;]www.omshantiyogawear.com[/url]

Increased environmental concerns worldwide have not escaped the notice of the fashion industry, which has been fast incorporating organic materials into its designs. Materials like hemp and bamboo are coming on strong, but organic cotton is by far the fabric of choice for most green clothing designers.

According to Organic Exchange, a nonprofit committed to expanding the use of organically grown fibers, global retail sales of organic cotton products increased from $245 million in 2001 to $583 million in 2005.

Organic Cotton is the Healthier Choice
The problem with traditional cotton--by far the most used clothing fabric in the world, constituting a $300 billion global market--is that producers use liberal amounts of insecticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers to grow it. Analysts estimate that cotton crops use about one quarter of all the agricultural insecticides applied globally each year.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, seven of the top 15 pesticides used on U.S. cotton crops are potential or known human carcinogens.

Given such problems, choosing organically grown alternatives may be one of the best things consumers can do to help the environment.
http://environment.about.com/od/fashion ... cotton.htm