As parents, we deeply want to leave a better planet to our children. However, we often don’t know what actions to take to make a difference. Supporting organic cotton baby clothing is one way to tap into our power as consumers. Our participation in the world market as conscious consumers really does change the world.
I believe that organic cotton is the number one global market to support for many reasons. Many people do not realize that the way cotton is conventionally grown makes it the most poisonous crop on the planet. This article will outline the problems with conventional cotton and then introduce the growing market of organic cotton. Finally I want to offer parents and consumers several ways, from the easy to the more involved, to contribute to a more conscious consumption that is sustainable and good for our children.
Poisonous Cotton
Cotton is one of the most useful crops on the planet, with a wide array of industrial uses. Cotton also makes it into our private homes as fabric, furniture, clothing, and even food. Unfortunately cotton is a sleeping enemy. Over 25% of the planet’s pesticides and 10% of the world’s insecticides are dumped into the soils, rivers and air for cotton agriculture.
This is especially shocking because, for all of its huge poisonous footprint, cotton itself grows on only 3 % of the world’s acreage. Indeed, 1 lb of chemicals and synthetic poisons are applied in the production of three ordinary cotton t-shirts. So you see that it is no exaggeration to claim that cotton is perhaps the most toxic crop on the planet.
So what makes the use of pesticides in cotton so terrible anyways? Well, the toll on the Earth and on its creatures is greater than many want to know. Heavy pesticides and fertilizers contribute to major environmental degradation of our soils, rivers and oceans, the atmosphere, and all who depend on these resources.
The health of human farmers and cotton workers is also greatly endangered: cancer, fatal poisoning cases, and systemic asthma are common human health risks for communities involved in the production of conventionally grown cotton.
Closer to home, conventional cotton can agitate skin allergies due to the trapped remnants of all these poisons in the clothing that we buy off the shelf. This is particularly an issue for infants and small children who tend to have more sensitive skin than adults. Also, cottonseed oil is commonly found in many processed baby foods, although I know of no study that has dared to look at the possible risks of this situation, despite the fact that seeds soak up toxins more than other parts of the plant due to high fat content.
Organic Cotton is the Answer
Of course I wouldn’t spout all this doom and gloom if I didn’t have a solution! As consumers, we have the power to lessen the negative effects of cotton around the world by supporting organically grown cotton.
Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides, nitrogen fertilizers or other poisons. Today, organic cotton is only about 1% of the world’s cotton crop. However, the organic cotton marketplace is currently growing by 15% annually. We can contribute to accelerating this growth through our everyday consumer choices.
Organic cotton obviously is better for the planet and the thousands of workers who are employed by the cotton industry. But there are more selfish reasons to enjoy cotton too. For instance, organic cotton garments can be softer than usual and is less likely to cause skin reactions or allergies. In fact, organic cotton baby clothing is one of the fastest growing sectors of the organic cotton market.
Getting Involved
I recommend the
- The easiest is to support organic cotton through conscious consumerism. For example, buying organic cotton baby clothing is good for your baby and good for the planet. There are more organic cotton products on the market every year.
- Approach your local retailers or store owners and directly inquire if they carry organic cotton products. Fill out suggestion cards at your favorite stores.
- Consider writing letters to the editor in your local papers, or blog about it on-line.
- Volunteer for your community by organizing a local event. The Sustainable Cotton Project has a lot of resources and ideas about how to go about this.
- For the real activists at heart: Lobbying city and county officials about buying restrictions for non-organic cotton is a crucial service that will make a huge impact. Many towns in the US and in Europe have had great success on this front.
I firmly believe that we have the power to change the world through our conscious participation in society. Values-driven businesses are already changing the world and insuring a better, safer future for our children. Let’s join them!
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