Why is organic clothing better than conventional clothing? It’s something everyone has been asking for a while, and today we’re going to explain (in great depth) exactly why organic clothing is better than your everyday clothing. From prices, quality, and sustainability, we cover it all.
Organic Cotton Vs Regular Cotton
First things first, conventional clothing requires 2,700 liters of water per t-shirt (the amount an average man drinks in 2.5 years), whereas organic cotton clothing only requires 243 liters per t-shirt, reducing the need of water by a whopping 91%. While that is one of the biggest factors, we’ve made a list below ranking the two clothing fabrics on prices, quality and sustainability.
Prices
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is generally more expensive than regular cotton. This is mainly down to organic clothing having a focus on quality rather than quantity. However, here’s some additional pointers:
Labor-Intensive Practices: Organic farming relies on manual labor for tasks like weeding instead of using chemical herbicides.
Lower Yields: Organic farms typically produces lower yields compared to conventional farms.
Sustainable Practices: Investments in sustainable practices, such as crop rotation and composting.
Regular Cotton
‘Regular’ cotton is usually cheaper than organic cotton. This is due to their use of harmful chemicals, speeding up the whole process. Here are some details:
Chemical Inputs: The use of pesticides and fertilizers boosts yields and reduces labor costs.
Higher Efficiency: Technological advancements and industrial farming methods increase production efficiency.
Quality
Organic Cotton
Softness and Comfort: Organic cotton is often perceived as softer and more comfortable due to the lack of harsh chemicals in its processing.
Durability: High-quality organic cotton can be more durable, again because the fibers are not weakened by chemical treatments.
Hypoallergenic: Organic cotton is less likely to cause skin irritation or allergies, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin.
Regular Cotton
While regular cotton isn’t ideal down to it’s harsh impact on the environment, here are some benefits:
Blended Options: Regular cotton is often blended with synthetic fibers to enhance durability and reduce costs.
Wide Availability: The widespread use of conventional cotton makes it readily available in a variety of forms and products.
Sustainability
Organic Cotton
Reduced Chemical Use: Organic cotton farming eliminates the use of pesticides and fertilizers, which reduces soil and water pollution.
Soil Health: Practices like crop rotation and composting enhance soil fertility and biodiversity.
Water Conservation: Organic cotton farming typically uses water more efficiently and avoids contamination of water sources.
Biodiversity: Organic farms often support a more diverse ecosystem due to the absence of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
Regular Cotton
High Chemical Use: Conventional cotton farming relies heavily on pesticides and fertilizers, contributing to environmental degradation and pollution.
Soil Degradation: Intensive farming practices can lead to soil erosion, depletion of nutrients, and reduced soil fertility.
Water Usage: Conventional cotton is highly water-intensive, causing water scarcity issues in some regions.
Pollution: Chemical runoff from cotton farms can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life.
Negative Effects of Conventional Clothing (In Greater Detail)
Organic cotton vs regular cotton - is regular cotton really that bad? The answer is yes. On top of the inhumane consumption of water conventional clothing requires, here are some additional facts about the clothing’s negative effects:
Impact on Human’s Health
Exposure to Toxic Chemicals: Farmers and workers in conventional cotton fields are exposed to harmful chemicals (potentially leading to cancer)
Consumer Health Risks: Residues of toxic chemicals used in conventional clothing production can remain in the finished clothing, potentially causing skin irritation (especially those with sensitive skin).
Social and Ethical Impact
Poor Working Conditions: Workers in conventional clothing production (particularly in developing countries) often face exploitative labor practices, including low wages, long working hours, and unsafe working conditions.
Items Everyone Should Buy Organically
You shouldn’t just buy organic clothing either, you should go green in every aspect of your life. Here’s an example list of everyday items in a western home:
Bedroom
Bedding:
- Sheets
- Pillowcases
- Duvet covers
Bathroom
Towels:
- Bath towels
- Hand towels
- Bath mats
Other Items:
- Shower curtains (sometimes cotton or cotton blend)
- Bathrobes
Living Room
Textiles:
- Curtains
- Decorative pillow covers
Laundry and Cleaning
Cleaning Cloths:
- Dust cloths
- Mop heads (some types)
Laundry Items:
- Laundry bags
- Ironing board covers
Buying Organic Cotton Clothing
We hope you gained some valuable information from this blog on organic cotton vs regular cotton, and If you’re interested in buying organic cotton clothing, feel free to visit our collection. We have clothing that help you feel and look as good as possible… all while playing a part in saving the planet.
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