Health Benefits of Organic Cotton

Though many types of fibers came and established (and some vanished too), none has been able to beat cotton. Cotton is an all time favorite of mankind for obvious reasons – being natural it offers the most comfortable feel and is extremely durable – you can wash it any way, no special care is needed, thus it poses zero maintenance. However, studies are putting forth some bitter facts like cotton is produced with extreme use of hybridization, fertilizers and pesticides, thus not bringing more land under agriculture, still increasing production. And so, there is an urge now to use organic cotton wear if we don’t want to further deteriorate the health of us and our planet. It is advisable to use every piece of our clothing of organic cotton, even organic cotton socks. Let’s see why.

What is Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton is produced without using fungicides, pesticides, sewage sludge, herbicides, genetic engineering or irradiation. In place of these toxic chemicals, tools and methods like beneficial insects, compost, crop rotation, weeding by hand or machine, cover crops and enhancing biodiversity are used.

How Organic Farming is Different than Natural Farming?

In organic farming organic fertilizers, pest hunting insects and hand weeding are used in place of chemical fertilizers, chemical pesticides and chemical herbicides used in natural farming respectively. In organic farming mixed crops are grown, whereas in regular (natural) farms single (cotton) crops are grown. In organic farming, plants are allowed to wither naturally, while in natural farming defoliants are used. The only similar thing in organic and natural farming is mild hydrogen peroxide is used as a natural whitener and disinfectant in both.

Features of Organic Farms

Seeds Preparation: The seeds used are untreated; genetically modified seeds are never used.

Soil and Water: Powerful soil is built through crop rotation which retains water more efficiently because of increased organic matters.

Weed Control: Weeds are removed either by hand or machine, instead of killing them with chemicals.

Pest Control: Healthy soil maintains a balance between pests and their natural predators. Beneficial insects, and cultural and biological practices are used to control pests. Trap crops are used to divert insects from cotton.

Harvesting: For defoliation, organic farming mostly relies on the seasonal freeze.

Benefits of Organic Cotton

Health Benefits: Babies and children are at maximum risk of the health hazards associated to pesticides. Organic cotton eliminates this risk. Even adults who have a sensitive skin should use organic cotton in order to protect themselves from allergens contained in cotton grown with chemical methods. Also organic farming provides healthy environment to farm workers.

Health of Earth: Because of no use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, water and soil quality are improved and groundwater contamination is eliminated. Also biodiversity is encouraged because of pest control through beneficial insects rather than toxic chemicals.

So, now make it a point to buy only organically produced cotton clothes and secure yours, your family’s, as well as our beloved planet’s health.