About Organic Cotton

Cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed agricultural crops in the world, using some of the most toxic chemicals available.  Cotton accounts for more than 10% of pesticide use, and 23% of insecticide use worldwide.  Organic Cotton agriculture avoids the use of chemicals by promoting healthy plants and soil to control pests.

Our cotton is certified organic by Control Union (formerly Skal).  Here are the differences between conventional and organic cotton farming techniques.

 

Seed Preparation
CONVENTIONAL	ORGANIC
Typically treats seed with fungicides and insecticides. Uses GMO seed for approximately 70% of US-grown cotton.	Uses untreated seeds. Never uses GMO seeds.
Soil & Water
CONVENTIONAL	ORGANIC
Applies synthetic fertilizers. Loss of soil due to predominantly mono-crop culture. Requires intensive irrigation.	Builds strong soil through crop rotation. Retains water more efficiently thanks to increased organic matter in the soil.
Weed Control
CONVENTIONAL	ORGANIC
Applies herbicides to soil to inhibit weed germination. Repeatedly uses herbicides to kill weeds that do grow.	Physical removal rather than chemical destruction. Controls weeds through cultivation and hand hoeing.
Pest Control
CONVENTIONAL	ORGANIC
Uses insecticides heavily, accounting for approximately 25% of world consumption. Uses pesticides: the nine most common are highly toxic; five are probably carcinogens. Frequently uses aerial spraying, with potential drift onto farm workers, neighboring wildlife and communities.	Maintains a balance between "pests" and their natural predators through healthy soil. Uses beneficial insects, biological and cultural practices to control pests. May use trap crops, planted to lure insects away from the cotton.
Harvesting
CONVENTIONAL	ORGANIC
Defoliates with chemicals.	Relies mostly on the seasonal freeze for defoliation. May stimulate defoliation through water management.

Source: Organic Exchange