Organic Cotton vs. Non Organic Cotton

In this post, we’re going to talk about the major differences. Indeed, the differences between organic cotton vs non organic cotton are staggering. Not just by the way its produced, but also by the way it affects people and their health and well being. 

If you’ve ever been interested in living the healthiest lifestyle possible, this post is for you. And, if you’ve ever wanted to raise your awareness about the way you consume and buy, this post is for you. If you care at all about the safety of the planet, this post is for you.

Indeed, creating a better home is simple.  You just have to know, care, and act.

So, let’s start with the Basics:

What is Cotton?

Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective case, around the seeds of the cotton plants.

Organic cotton is generally understood as cotton from plants not genetically modified and that is certified to be grown without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals, such as fertilizers or pesticides. Its production also promotes and enhances biodiversity and biological cycles. 

Therefore, Organic Cotton is grown on land that has been given sufficient time (at least three years) for the removal of all the toxic residues of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The cotton is from original plants, meaning seeds that are not genetically modified. 

Now, you may be wondering: “Why should I care about this?” or “Is there really a difference between organic cotton vs. non organic cotton?” 

Listen, we hear you. 

But we’re here to share our gained knowledge with you, because we care. So, this is why you should care about where your cotton products come from. Keep on reading.

What is non-organic cotton?

Non Organic Cotton is the most infamous of crops, in terms of the usage of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in its cultivation.

For instance, non Organic Cotton is responsible for the consumption of over 16% of the world’s total production of insecticides and 7% of it’s pesticides. And that’s just for one single crop.

The amount of land used to grow cotton hasn’t changed since 1930s.

But yields have been increased 300 percent.

How do you think they’ve achieved that?

Well, quite “simply” by hydridization, intensive land managament and pesticides and fertilizers.

Why is this bad?, you might ask.

Fair question.

Therefore let`s take a look at the facts.

Organic Cotton vs. non organic cotton?

#1 the cotton seeds

Firstly, it all starts with the seed.

Organic cotton seeds are untreated and not genetically modified. Whereas, non organic cotton seeds are typically treated with fugnicides or insecticides, and are always genetically modified.

This is so the crops yield more cotton, and are immune to diseases. However, this creates a huge dependancy on chemicals.

Organic Cotton vs. non organic cotton?

#2 the soil and water

Secondly, non organic cotton productions always apply synthetic fertilizers, and rarely rotate the soil. This results in a huge loss of natural soil, and requires having very intensive irrigation systems.

Impotantly it can take between 10 000 to 20 000kg of water to produce… 1kg of cotton. You read that right. Just 1kg.

That’s equal to 1 t-shirt and a pair of jeans.

And what about organic cotton?

Meanwhile no toxic chemicals are used in the growing of organic cotton. It doesn’t damage the soil, has less impact on the air, and uses 71% less water and 62% less energy. Indeed, organic cotton creates strong soil thanks to crop rotation. And it retains water more efficiently. This is thanks to the organic substances in the soil. In result, less water is needed.

Organic Cotton vs. non organic cotton?

#3 the weed control

So, in organic cotton productions, weeds are physically removed. Indeed, weeds are controled through cultivation and hand hoeing.

To clarify, as you may have guessed, non organic cotton uses herbicides to inhibit weed germinations. And, these herbicides are repeatedly used on a regular basis, and become less and less efficient as time goes by. This creates a vicious cycle, creating more and more need for them.

Organic Cotton vs. non organic cotton?

#4 the pest control

Organic cotton farming keeps a healthy balance between pests and natural predators through healthy soil. And organic cotton farming uses beneficial insects, biological cultural practices to control pests.

And, as for non organic cotton farming, insecticides and heavily used. The pesticides used in non organic cotton farming contain the nine most common highly toxic chemicals. What’s more, the aerial spraying of these chemicals, can have potential dangerous drifts on neighboring communities. Not great, if you ask us…

Organic Cotton vs. non organic cotton?

#5 the harvesting

Moreover, organic cotton relies mostly on seasonal freeze for defoliation of the cotton.

And, as for non organic cotton, defoliation is achieved with toxic chemicals.

That’s not it.

Are you someone who cares about your health (and the health of the world in general)?

If you find this topic interesting and would like to learn more about the dangers of using non organic cotton or non certified, just keep on reading.

Here’s some things you may also like to know!

Organic Cotton vs. non organic cotton

and your health

• Carcinogenic chemicals in non organic cotton

  The US Environmental Protection Agency categorizes seven of the 15 most common pesticides used on cotton in the US as follows.

• “possible,”
• “likely,”
• “Probable,” or
• “known” human carcinogens

These carcinogens include: Acephate, 1,3-Dichloropropene, Diuron, Fluometuron, Pendimethalin, Tribufos,and Trifluralin).

• Deaths, Miscarriges and Illnesses

According to the World Health Organization, 20,000 individuals die of cancer and miscarriages each year in developing countries as a result of the chemicals sprayed on conventional cotton.  

What’s more, Farm workers around the world are suffering from serious health problems relating to an over exposure to hazardous pesticides, including Asthma, Neurological damage and Cancer.

While you may not see the direct impacts of it, your non organic cotton products are harming your health, and the planet’s health.

If you want to take a step in the right direction, seek out 100% organic cotton products, but make sure you can trust the label.

There are different kinds of organic products:

100% organic. All components are organically grown and certified, including the sewing threads, and all processes used to manufacture the garment conform to the processing requirements stated in the standard;

Organic. At least 95% (by weight) of the agricultural fibers are organically grown and all processing adheres to the environmental processing requirements given in the document;

Made with organic (specified fiber products). At least 70% (by weight) of the garment have been organically grown;

Less than 70% organically produced constituents. Maybe it has some organic fiber content, maybe not. All non-organic garment components may be processed and handled without regard to the OTA standards. What you see is what you get.

Be resourceful, know organic,

shop organic

There are many reasons why many don’t shop organic.

“Can’t be bothered”, “It’s not always easy to find”, “It’s too expensive”, “I can’t feel the difference anyway”…

The thing is, organic textiles are sort of like an electric car… It’s an investment, but it saves you money on the long term. Indeed, you’ll pay for less petrol.

The direct benefits will show that organic textile products are higher quality, more durable and  last longer. So this means, you won’t have to go through the trouble of replacing your products on a regular basis. Most organic products last many years, compared to non organic and synthetic which are heavily treated with chemicals, which causes a huge integrity loss in the fibers. After just a few months, they can feel worn out and are good for the trash… Which causes pollution and waste (because they’re not 100% biodegradable).

Replacing your non organic products can be done gradually. You don’t have to start throwing everything out. In fact, please don’t throw non organic materials into the trash. If you’re ready for a shift, start learning more about organic materials, and slowly replace your non organic ones with organic ones. Re-use and recycle your non organic materials for other purposes. 

It’s Common Sense

We’re passionate about organic materials. And, we are passionate about incorporating them everywhere we possibly can.

We know they’re better quality than non organic and synthetic materials.

Indeed, the difference between organic cotton vs non organic cotton is staggering.

So, our goal is to help make organic bedding mainstream. If you’ve never even thought about organic materials, we encourage you to do so. 

Organic materials is not a hippie thing…

It’s a common sense thing.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this post, and that it was informative. We hope it has inspired you to think twice when buying your textile products. 

We put out many resources to learn about organic, natural and sustainable living, and how you can incorporate small sustainable changes in your life. If you’re interested in learning more, subscribe to our newsletter and we’ll keep you posted.

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