Why should I buy organic cotton?

Conventional cotton is used widely all over the world. Chances are that you are using it as well, for example

in your clothing or for your bed sheets. The problem with cotton is that is has a huge environmental impact. However now there is an alternative called organic cotton.

Conventional cotton

Conventional cotton production uses large quantities of insecticides on the seeds. The seeds itself are sometimes genetically modified. These seeds are then usually planted over and over again on the same soil. This causes the soil to be less efficient in water retention so more water is required. The fertilizers used are mostly synthetic.

Herbicides are applied to the soil to stop weeds from growing. Other herbicides are then applied to kill

any weeds that still can grow there. Insecticides and pesticides are then applied to protect the cotton.

This is often done from the air from where the chemicals sometimes drift to neighboring communities

or wildlife. Chemicals are also used for the plant to drop its leaves.

So with so many chemicals used in the production, why is cotton still being produced so widely?

The main reason is that it’s cheap in the short term. But it might be costly in the long run. The chemicals

that are used pollute the air and surface waters. Any residual chemicals may irritate the consumer’s skin.

Organic cotton

The main negative point of organic cotton as compared to conventional cotton is that it is more expensive. Otherwise there are none.

The seeds used are never genetically modified and they are untreated with chemicals. Crop rotation is used resulting in a better soil with higher organic matter. The soil retains water much better.

Weeds are removed physically only, no chemicals are used again. Pests are controlled with their natural predators. Sometimes other crops are used to lure the predators away. Yearly cold periods are when the plants naturally drop their leaves, so again no chemicals are required.

Lil Mama was also told that organic cotton lasts longer and is more absorbent.