Cotton 101
Hi friends!
Last week we started the discussion about what our clothes are made of, and over the next few weeks, we will deep dive (in a shallow, digestible kind of way) into each type of material.
Today we start with COTTON – a naturally occurring material that comprises a majority of our clothing staples – you’re probably wearing it right now! The fact that cotton is a natural material makes it biodegradable, which is a [relatively] good starting point.
However, we all know the dark history that is cotton growing (and picking) in the United States, and globally. While growing methods and worker conditions have improved over time, as consumers we are now facing the question of whether to purchase products made from conventionally grown cotton or organically grown cotton.
Water use, pesticides and the impact of both on people and animals are the major differences between conventional and organic cotton. Organic cotton is grown without pesticides and therefore the land maintains its fertility and is less harmful to the environment.
Which cotton to choose seems like an obvious answer, especially if we use the food industry as a guide (as I alluded to last week). Organic cotton is generally a more sustainable and ethical option – it is important to note that just because cotton is organically grown does not mean the rest of the production chain (e.g. preparing and dying the cotton into fiber and fabric) is good for the environment or people or animals.
If you’re thinking, “Great…! Now what do I buy if not organic cotton!” – do not lose hope!
Instead, be a savvy consumer and use Good On You (their app is amazing) as a guide to find brands that are GOTS certified and based in your country of residence (more on GOTS and why we should buy from brands producing in our communities soon…).
Let’s also not forget that our 100% cotton garments do not like the dryer (none of our clothes really like the dryer…nor does the planet) so we need to care for them by washing in cool/cold water and line drying.
Key takeaways
Choose clothing made of organic cotton whenever possible (and be wary of greenwashing in this space!)
Use Good On You before making a purchase to determine the level of sustainable and ethical practice by the manufacturer
Buy less and care for your clothes (and the planet)
This week – start paying attention to the brands you love – are they using cotton? If so, can you tell what type of cotton?
Until next week … wrapped in organic cotton … xo Kevin