Sacrificing comfort for health, or vice-versa? No thanks! You shouldn’t have to choose between your safety and coziness. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to.
It may be surprising to hear, but organic cotton easily beats inorganic cotton in every way. Is organic cotton softer than conventional cotton? Yup! Is organic cotton production more sustainable? You guessed it. Do organic cotton sheets contain fewer toxic chemicals? Absolutely.
Wherever you lay your head should always feel like a sanctuary: warm, comfortable, and safe. So whether you’re buying luxury bedding sets or bohemian pillows, your covers should provide you with a soft sense of security, not be the reason you’re up at night.
Truly, there shouldn’t be a debate between organic cotton vs regular cotton. There’s a clear winner. Still, let’s settle it once and for all. Ready to learn all about how these two types of cotton compare? Let’s get to it.
Organic cotton is exactly what it sounds like: cotton fibres that have been grown organically. It isn’t a specific form of cotton, like Egyptian or jersey, but instead, it follows strict organic farming practices.
I know what you’re thinking. “What does organic even mean?” Great question. “Organic” is a bit of a buzzword, but it’s a fundamental term to understand.
Organic crops meet rigorous standards to ensure human and ecological health. While there are many different organic certifications, including the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), among others, organic farming comes down to a few key traits :
Basically, organic farming prohibits harmful chemicals and production practices that may have a negative impact on the environment. The challenge? It takes a lot of work to keep all these standards in check. As such, organic crop yields are generally lower than conventional ones, and the price tag reflects this. It’s a labor of love.
So back to cotton. Often referred to as the “world’s dirtiest crop,” non organic cotton is one of the harshest on the planet. Luckily, organizations like the Better Cotton Initiative, GOTS, and Oeko-Tex help separate environmentally friendly, human-safe cotton from the rest.
Like we said, regular cotton is one of the “dirtiest crops” around. But are organic varieties really that different?
Absolutely!
Cotton may be considered a natural fiber, but when it’s filled with harmful toxins, how natural is it really? That’s where the big difference lies between these organic and conventional fabrics. They’re both sourced from the cotton plant but aren’t grown the same.
For starters, organic cotton farming has a much lower environmental impact than the conventional kind. Since organic practices prohibit harsh chemicals, including pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers, there are no worries about contaminating soil or waterways.
So not only is this fantastic for the planet, but it also means the raw material is worry-free. Unfortunately, exposure to synthetic chemicals in non-organic cotton can lead to birth defects, exacerbate skin irritations, and cause other health issues. Not exactly something you want in your home, is it?
And it’s not just about your own household either. If remnants of those toxins are showing up in cotton fabric, imagine the exposure workers undergo. When you choose to buy organic, natural materials, you’re supporting safer conditions for workers, living conditions for your family, and environmental conditions for the planet. Everybody wins.
We said that organic cotton sheets win every time compared to conventionally grown materials, but how true is that? Let’s take a closer look at all the benefits of choosing this organic fiber.
Water consumption is no joke, and regular cotton is one thirsty crop when it comes to farming. Did you know that it takes an average of 10,000 litres of water to grow a kilogram of cotton? But it’s not just about quantity — quality also matters. Conventional cotton also contaminates water, leading to even more environmental concerns.
The good news is that organic farming both supports water retention (less water is needed) and avoids toxic chemicals (less water pollution). In fact, organic practices reduce water consumption by a whopping 91 percent.
Tossing and turning is never fun, but your sheets definitely shouldn’t contribute to the problem. Buying organic eliminates this concern. You don’t need to worry about skin allergies or heavy metals ruining your sleep (and morning). Even the most sensitive sleepers can relax knowing their bohemian bedding sets are safe enough for them.
Whether you self-identify as a climate activist or you’re still learning about recycling, we can all agree that the plant is worth protecting. Luckily, organic farming helps. Conventional practices deplete soil from nutrients, cause erosion, damage ecosystems, and pollute the environment. On the other hand, organic growing techniques boost soil fertility while encouraging biodiversity.
Indeed, organic cotton is often more expensive up front since it’s less widely available (for now). However, that isn’t the whole story. Thanks to a lack of harsh chemicals, organic cotton is often of higher quality and lasts longer than conventional types. So, while organic cotton sheets may be a pricier purchase, they should last longer, ultimately saving you some coin. And let’s not forget that less consumption helps the planet too!
Because organic practices prohibit harmful chemicals, organic cotton is softer than conventional materials. Skipping the harsh toxins lets these natural fibers shine. As a result, organic cotton threads are stronger, longer, and thinner — and all of these contribute to a softer feeling material.
Cotton is the most produced material globally, and the industry employs over 250 million people around the globe. Supporting organic cotton producers means you’re supporting safer farming conditions by reducing chemical exposure to workers. Seek out Better Cotton products to ensure your cotton sheets are produced in decent working conditions.
Cotton is one of the best organic fabrics around. It’s hypoallergenic, gentle on the planet, and did we mention soft? So it’s easy to know what you’re getting into when buying cotton. There are just a few key traits you should keep an eye out for to know you’re getting the absolute best, softest fabric around.
Ready to start shopping? Don’t forget to look at the following characteristics of cotton sheets before purchasing them to ensure you’re choosing a luxurious, high-quality option.
Although cotton is the most popular organic bedding material, it isn’t the only one. Here are some other fabrics that are as soft as they are green:
Choosing organic sheets doesn’t mean compromising comfort. Quite the opposite! Organic cotton is softer, safer, and gentler on the environment when compared with inorganic cotton. Sleep with a clear mind knowing you’re helping people and the planet. Sweet dreams!
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