Learn About Organic Cotton

Organic cotton has been increasing in popularity both with consumers and growers. Why? For starters, cotton grown in the traditional way is one of the most chemical-intensive crops in the world. Traditionally-grown cotton takes a huge toll on the earth’s finite resources. For instance, farmers in the United States apply an average of one-third of a pound of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to every pound of cotton harvested. Globally, the cotton industry uses more pesticides and synthetic fertilizers than any other crop. In the United States alone, this equals adding 50 million pounds of pesticides to the soil in just one year.

However, over the past decades many small farmers have been changing this. Instead of using toxic pesticides and fertilizers on their crops, these growers have turned to tending organic cotton.

The same is true on the other end, with consumers. Cotton is one of the most widely traded commodities in the world, and consumers love it for its soft hand and its comfort. Yet more and more consumers are turning to green solutions in their home and the clothes they wear. As people learn about the toxic way that cotton has been grown, organic cotton increases in popularity.

What kinds of organic cotton products are available? Let’s begin by looking at organic cotton clothing. It might surprise you how readily available organic cotton clothing is these days. It will probably also surprise you to learn that Wal-Mart is the world’s largest purchaser of organic cotton. Yes, Wal-Mart, which sells women’s organic cotton clothing, organic cotton baby clothing, and organic cotton sheets. Other brands such as Patagonia, Nike, and Eileen Fisher also feature organic cotton clothing. The fact that these large companies have committed to using organic cotton in their clothing lines means that organic cotton farmers can now grow with confidence, knowing there will be a large market for their crops.

Other popular items with consumers are organic cotton baby clothes. Parents and grandparents want the best for their children! There is nothing like the feel of an organic cotton t shirt against the skin, something that both babies and adults alike can appreciate. Not only are organic cotton baby clothes soft and comfortable, they are also available in a wide range of appealing styles. And don’t forget the organic cotton baby diapers and toys while you’re shopping.

If you prefer to sew your own clothes or home décor items, you might want to purchase organic cotton fabric and wonder how many different varieties it is available in. The answer? A lot. You can buy organic cotton fabric knits, flannel, twills and terry. The home sewer will be pleased to learn that you can even buy organic cotton notions such as lace and quilt batting.

With so many options for organic cotton available in small stores and big chains alike, isn’t it time you made the switch to wearing and using organic cotton?