Conventional cotton is the dirtiest crop in the world
Conventional cotton uses about 16% of all the insecticides, and 6% of all pesticides used globally — more than any other crop in the world.
Organic cotton is grown from non-genetically modified plants, and without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and defoliants. Peru, where our organic cotton fabric comes from*, has banned GMO cotton seeds altogether, which eliminates the risk of contamination that exists in other cotton producing countries.
The planet
According to the World Wildlife Fund, it can take 2,700 liters (or more than 700 gallons) to produce the conventional cotton needed to make a single t-shirt. Harmful chemicals make their way into local waterways, polluting the surrounding environment. And as pests mutate, more powerful and toxic pesticides are constantly developed and introduced into the process.
Growing and harvesting organic cotton uses 71% less water and 62% less energy than conventional cotton, as farmers grow it in areas with ample rainwater and rely on natural methods to control unwanted pests.
The farmers
The chemicals used to grow conventional cotton are harmful to the health of the people who grow it and their communities, as food and water supplies are easily contaminated. Growing conventional cotton also reduces soil fertility over time, eventually depriving the farmers of their livelihood.
Farming organic cotton helps avoid these issues. Farming communities don’t have to consume polluted water and suffer from adverse health effects as a result. Agricultural land that is chemical-free stays fertile longer, benefiting the farmers.
You and your kids. At the very least, many children have skin that is sensitive to the chemicals with which conventional cotton fabrics have been treated, which linger in the finished cotton product. At most, some of these chemicals have been linked to adverse health effects.
Free of toxic chemicals, organic cotton is safe for our skin. The difference is even more important for people with allergies and sensitive skin, especially children. Organic cotton is also softer and more durable, as it goes through less processing and does not contain chemicals that weaken fibers.
*We use Peruvian organic cotton for all of our tees, sweatshirts, hoodies, sweatpants. For our sweaters, we use the finest Italian organic yarn. We use Japanese organic cotton for our denim products.