Tonnes of toxic chemicals are used in the conventional farming and production of clothing and textiles.

From the farming of the crop, to the production of the yarns, to the finishing of garments, chemicals are used that eventually end up in the environment, causing devastation to plant and animal life indiscriminately. When you add in the human cost to farmers and their families who are in direct contact with these nasty chemicals, this becomes an even bigger issue.

There are several alternatives to the conventional cottons used in most textile manufacturing:

ORGANIC COTTON

Organic cotton is grown without insecticide or pesticide or the use of genetically modified seeds – in other words it’s guaranteed 100% natural and chemical-free. It’s typically rotated with other crops – replenishing the soil and reducing farmers’ dependency on a single crop. Certified organic cotton also bans the addition of chemicals as the fibre is turned into cloth.

ORGANIC WOOL

Organic wool comes from sheep raised organically, to high standards of animal welfare and without being “mulesed” (a cruel process whereby chunks of flesh are cut off the sheep’s backside to prevent flystrike). Depending on the certification it also means that various chemicals and other harmful substances have been banned from use during the cleaning, spinning, dyeing and further processes.

ORGANIC LEATHER

Organic leather comes from animals raised on organic farms and is tanned and processed in an environmentally-friendly manner. There is very little certified organic leather currently available.

ORGANIC TEXTILES

Other organic textiles – obviously any fibre from a natural source could be grown organically. Here we’ve looked at the most common natural materials that are used in clothing and textiles. However, even though organic cotton is a vast improvement on its non-organic counter-part, it’s still “the world’s thirstiest crop” and takes “a total of 2,000 litres to produce one cotton t-shirt”. (Environmental Justice Foundation)

By buying organic products at genuine organic clothing and eco-clothing retailers like AscensionOnline.com, you’re helping to save our planet and the lives of those involved in the production. Right now organic products tend to be more expensive than conventional products. As demand grows, the industry will have adapt and support and promote organic farming.

Do your part to create the demand for organics.