Organic cotton is grown without using pesticides from plants which are not genetically modified.

 

High levels of agrochemicals are used in the production of non-organic, conventional cotton. Cotton production uses more chemicals per unit area than any other crop and accounts to a total of around 25% of the world's pesticides. The chemicals used in the processing of cotton also pollute the air and surface waters. Residual chemicals may also irritate skin.

Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have low impact on the environment. Organic production system replenishes and maintains soil fertility, reduces the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and builds biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production.

Organic agriculture uses crop rotation instead of agrochemicals along with artificial fertilizers and biological pest control instead of pesticides. Though organic cotton has less environmental impact than conventional cotton, it costs more to produce.

Cotton sold as organic must be grown according to the international guidelines for organic crop production.

Soil fertility practices that meet organic certification standards typically include crop rotation, cover cropping, animal manure additions, and use of naturally occurring rock powders. Weed management is accomplished by a combination of cultivation, flame weeding, and other cultural practices.

Organic clothing can help reduce exposure to allergens and other irritants and give a comfortable feeling.

 

Manual farming and organic practices have a lower carbon footprint as the entire process consumes less fuel and energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to chemical textiles.

Not grown from genetically modified cottonseed.•Grown using natural  pesticides and fertilizers, no chemical - synthetic pesticides used.

Eco-friendly processing that does not compromise workers' health and helps reduce water and electric use and toxic runoff.

Strict testing ensures the absence of contaminants like nickel, lead, formaldehyde, amines, pesticides and heavy metals.

Peoplewith allergies and chemical sensitivity especially benefit from organic cotton clothing, as conventional cotton may retain harmful toxic residues. Even if you don't have sensitive skin, organic cotton will just feel better against your skin.

Children are at greater risk for pesticide-related health problems than adults. Millions of children in the US receive up to 35% of their estimated lifetime dose of some carcinogenic pesticides by age five through food, contaminated drinking water, household use, and pesticide drift.

Farmworkers working in conventionally grown cotton fields around the world suffer from an abundance of toxic exposures and related health problems. Pesticides used on cotton cause acute poisonings and chronic illness to farm workers worldwide. Acute respiratory symptoms and other health effects in communities surrounding cotton farms are correlated with high use of chemicals.

Improved soil fertility•Increasingcotton yields•Massivesaving of precious water. This is important as cotton is a water-hungry crop, which can cause problems in areas without high natural water availability. It has a positive effect on the content of organic matter and helps to avoid soil acidification

Itimproves soil structure by increasing soil activity, thus reducing the risk of erosion

It promotes the development of earthworms and above ground arthropods, thus improving the growth conditions of the crop.Furthermore, organic crops profit from root symbioses and are better able to exploit the soil, and organic fields accommodate a greater variety of plants, animals and micro organisms.