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How do you know cotton
is organic?
Organically grown cotton is certified by independent third
parties and some state agencies to ensure that no synthetic
substances were used in the cultivation and harvesting of
the fibers. Cotton grown on land free of chemicals for three
years is certified as 'organic.' Cotton grown on fields which
have been free of chemicals for less than three years is certified
as 'transitional organic.'
Why should retailers invest
in organic cotton?
A bona fide organic cotton industry has to start with apparel
companies. Manufactures' orders provide the financial backing
growers need to take the extra steps to farm biologically,
rather than chemically. Organic cotton helps companies meet
goals of cleaner water and air quality, as well as satisfying
consumer demand for corporate environmental leadership.
How much more expensive
is the switch to organic cotton?
T-shirts blended with ten percent organic fibers can raise
the F.O.B. unit cost as little as seven cents. One hundred
percent organically grown garments can cost anywhere between
twenty and fifty percent more than conventional.
What is the biggest selling
point for organic clothing?
Aesthetics, quality and price remain the most salient consumer
concerns in the United States, even among environmentally
responsible buyers. If the product looks great, is finally
made and priced appropriately, its chances of success will
follow. Concerns about the environment, health and safety,
and saving the family farm offer an added value to the product.
Are there quality considerations
in using organic cotton?
Production experts report that organic cotton fibers have
the same fiber strength, length and other properties as conventional
cotton. In some cases, we learned, once a mill has gained
initial experience with organic fibers, fabric development
efforts can be enhanced by the additional focus on novelty
fibers.
Are there production considerations
when blending organic fibers?
Production experts recommend blending organic fibers of the
same micronaire (fiber breadth) in order to avoid any problems.
Do organic farmers receive
the financial advances they need to produce crops?
No. Right now farmers need purchase orders from mills or brokers
before the planting season begins because the conventional
sources of crop financing still perceive organic cotton farming
as a high risk investment- despite five years of comparable,
consistent yields documented by University of California professor,
Dr. Sean Swezey.
You don't eat it, so why
is organic cotton really important?
The fact is that cotton is a food as well as a fiber: seed
and fibers are fed to cattle, and cottonseed oil is a main
ingredient in processed foods. Because it is so susceptible
to weeds and insect pests, and because it is considered a
fiber and not a food, farmers use heavy amounts of toxic chemicals
to produce it. Finally, because of its many uses, cotton is
one of the most widely grown crops in the world, and the amounts
of chemicals applied to produce it add up significantly.
Where do you buy organic
cotton?
Organic cotton can be purchased from a mill in the form of
yarn, fabric or finished goods; it can be bought in bales
(480 pound blocks) through a broker; or it can be procured
by contracts directly with farmers. Organic cotton garments
are sold throughout the world, refer to the Sustainable Cotton
Web site links or search the web for “organic clothes.”
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