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Cotton is a heavily traded commodity that accounts for billions of dollars in the world’s economy. The term organic refers to any type of plant that is grown in a healthy, sustainable way without the use of toxic chemicals. When it comes to your bedding or clothing like your favorite t-shirt, it’s important to look for safe organic cotton products that are good for you and the environment. If you’re unsure about the difference between organic and non-organic cotton, this guide is chock-full of helpful information that will help you make an informed decision. From the actual seed itself to farming methods including weed and pest control, read on to learn more about organic cotton vs cotton that is grown in a more conventional way.
Anything classified as organic cotton has very little to no environmental impact. The method that organic cotton farms use to grow, harvest, and produce organic cotton is completely free of chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides that can be harmful to human health.
Not only do these chemicals pose a threat to consumers, but they also cause serious harm to water sources, soil, and the local ecosystems where any form of non-organic cotton is grown. Anything that is officially labeled as organic must meet a variety of restrictions and guidelines throughout the entire process from planting the seeds and growing the cotton to the actual manufacturing process of cotton products.
Conventional cotton, or non-organic cotton, is typically grown with a variety of harmful chemicals designed to keep weeds and pests at bay. The cotton may also be grown using genetically modified seeds. In some cases, cotton farmers may also use unethical practices like child labor and paying low wages to workers.
Normal cotton, which is not considered organic, uses many different harsh chemicals that are also commonly used in traditional farming, including synthetic fertilizers and chemicals sprayed on plants like dangerous pesticides. Let’s take a much closer look at the many differences between regular cotton and organic cotton.
You may wonder, does organic cotton make a difference? When it comes to things like higher quality and value for the money, the benefits of organic cotton are many. You might also ask, is 100% cotton the same as organic cotton? Not necessarily. Just because something is labeled as being made from 100 percent cotton, it doesn’t mean that the cotton is 100% organic. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that the products you purchase are clearly labeled as being made of 100 percent organic cotton, and not just 100 percent cotton alone. Here are some of the differences between organic cotton products and synthetic materials.
Cotton is a very soft, fluffy fiber that grows in a protective case around the seeds of cotton plants. Organic farming only uses seeds that are never genetically modified, which means that the seeds are always grown without using any form of synthetic chemicals like toxic pesticides or dangerous chemical-based fertilizers. The cotton seed is never heavily treated with anything unnatural, ensuring that the environment remains safe and chemical-free. When you buy organic cotton products, you’ll know that the process begins with safe, healthy seeds grown by certified organic farmers. From the seed to the plant, everything is pure and safe. Non-organic cotton farming often uses genetically engineered and modified seeds.
When organic cotton plants are grown, the same soil as the original soil from the farm is used, but it must have all traces of any toxic residues and hazardous pesticides completely removed. This process can take at least three years or longer to complete, and once it’s finished, only natural seeds that have not been genetically modified may be planted in the soil. Regular crop rotation also promotes stronger, healthier soil. And soil rotation also promotes healthier, more resilient soil that is naturally rich in nutrients, which eliminates the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Additionally, organic cotton relies on much less water than standard cotton, and most of the water used to irrigate the plants is recycled. These organic farms use approximately 91 percent less water than standard cotton farms. Organic cotton plants require less water to grow, which also means there’s less waste of valuable resources. These farmers also use smarter irrigation techniques that promote water conservation and reduce water waste and use.
All farms need to be mindful when dealing with weeds, but organic cotton farming uses different methods than standard farms, which tend to use chemicals to kill unwanted weeds. Instead, organic farms control weeds through hand hoeing (or hand removing) and through cultivation.
Some organic farms also use natural weed control methods that include safe alternatives like neem oil, hydrogen peroxide, garlic, and vinegar which won’t damage the ecosystem. Regular use of herbicides is not only bad for the environment, but they also usually become less effective over time. This results in the need to use them even more and more often, which causes serious harm to the soil, air, and water supply.
Pests are another common issue for farms, but there is a much safer, healthier way to control them than through using dangerous pesticides. Organic cotton fields use natural predators and healthy soil to keep pests under control. Using beneficial insects helps to control pests in a safe, natural way and doesn’t require the use of harmful insecticides.
A big difference between organic cotton and non-organic cotton is that traditional cotton farming uses pesticides that contain some of the most common highly toxic chemicals known to man. This means that the products you buy like sheets and other bedding could have seriously dangerous effects on your health over time if they’re not classified as organic.
Some say that cotton is the world’s dirtiest crop. But growing organic cotton ensures that practices are in place to ensure a more sustainable environment not just for humans, but also for fish, birds, and wildlife. The absence of chemicals and toxins is key when it comes to growing organic plants.
By using natural seeds, harvesting from the same plant each year, reducing water use, and practicing all-natural methods for weed and pest control, most organic cotton is grown in a safe and healthy manner. So, why is organic cotton not used more often? Unfortunately, it takes much more land and more plants to grow cotton that is organic than it does to grow non-organic cotton, which means that it requires more money and available land to produce.
Harvesting is the process of removing cotton fibers from the plant so it can be sold and processed. With organic cotton farming, the farmers typically rely on seasonal freezes to remove the cotton. This all-natural method prevents the need for heavy machinery which uses fuel and contributes to harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
Even the harvesting process is much better for the environment, ensuring that this part of the supply chain is also done in a responsible way. Non-organic cotton relies on a variety of harmful substances and toxic chemicals for defoliation and harvesting. And, it accounts for just over 10 percent of the world’s insecticides, which is another reason why it’s called the dirtiest crop in the world.
So, why is organic cotton better for you? Let’s take a closer look at some more reasons why organic cotton is much better than “normal cotton.” First, you may ask, is organic cotton bleached? Unlike other synthetic materials, organic cotton is never bleached, so you won’t need to worry about this chemical irritating your skin or your respiratory tract.
When it comes to your bedding, investing in more sustainable alternatives is a smart choice not only for your personal health but also for the health of the environment as a whole. Knowing the difference between organic and non-organic cotton can make a huge difference in the products you purchase so that you’re supporting safe, healthy, and sustainable alternatives for yourself, the earth, and your home. At Or & Zon, we offer a plethora of beautiful, luxurious, and sustainable organic products that will enhance your life. Explore our collections today to discover the perfect bedding for a great night of healthy, restful sleep every night.