All About Organic Cotton - A Healthier & More Sustainable Alternative to Conventional Cotton - Satvic Lifestyle
  1. Eco Essentials

All About Organic Cotton – A Healthier & More Sustainable Alternative to Conventional Cotton

Introducing the More Sustainable Alternative

Our last blog discussed how regular cotton can harm the environment and the hands that cultivate it. Now, let’s talk about the switch – a switch to something lighter and better – Organic Cotton. It’s like the eco-friendly superhero of fabrics. No harmful chemicals in the fields, just pure, natural goodness that’s kind to the Earth and gentle on your skin.

What is Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton farming is a natural and sustainable alternative to conventional practices, taking a holistic approach that works with nature instead of against it. For example, one technique used here is Crop Rotation. In this method, different crops are grown on the same plot each year. This not only naturally fertilizes the soil but also makes it act like a sponge, holding more water and providing stability in changing weather. This also reduces the need for excess water.

image credit - istock

Additionally, crop rotation acts as a pest control strategy, eliminating the need for pesticides. Organic cotton is a simple, green revolution in farming, offering a sustainable choice for those who care about the planet.

How Is Organic Cotton Different from Conventional Cotton?

The difference in both types of cotton is more than just a label on your clothes – it’s about how our choices impact the environment, from the seeds planted in the ground to the clothes we put on. Here are a few points of difference between both the types of cotton

Seed Preparation

Organic
Embraces natural, untreated seeds that are free from genetic modification (GMO). This ensures a pure and uncontaminated starting point for the cotton plants

Conventional
Typically involves treating seeds with fungicides or insecticides, and there’s a possibility of incorporating genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

Soil Preparation

Organic
Adopts a holistic approach with crop rotation, fostering healthy soil. This practice enhances soil quality through increased organic matter, promoting moisture retention naturally.

Conventional
Often relies on synthetic fertilizers, leading to soil degradation and loss due to mono-crop culture. Intensive irrigation practices further contribute to soil health deterioration.

Methods Adopted to Control Weeds

Organic
Maintains a natural balance by fostering healthy soil conditions. It employs beneficial insects and trap crops, eliminating the need for chemical weed control.

Conventional
Involves chlorine bleaching to whiten the fabric, creating toxic by-products that are released into the environment, contributing to pollution.

Whitening Process

Organic
Utilizes safe peroxide for whitening without releasing harmful by-products into the environment.

Conventional
Involves chlorine bleaching to whiten the fabric, creating toxic by-products that are released into the environment, contributing to pollution.

Dyeing

Organic
Utilizes low-impact fiber-reactive or natural dyes with low metal and sulfur content, minimizing environmental impact.

Conventional
Involves high-temperature processes containing heavy metals and sulfur, contributing to environmental pollution.

Price

Organic
 Initial costs may be higher, but the long-term advantages in terms of sustainability and environmental impact are priceless.

Conventional
May be initially cheaper, but the long-term environmental consequences, along with potential societal impacts, can be devastating.

So, the next time you pick out a shirt or sheets, remember that it’s not just about the color or style – it’s about the journey of that cotton, from the field to your closet.

Benefits of Organic Cotton

Organic cotton isn’t just about clothes – it’s a commitment to premium quality, and sustainability.

Quality You Can Feel

Starting with the finest fibers, organic cotton ensures a softness that stands above the rest. The result? Fabrics that feel incredible against your skin, offering a touch of comfort with each wear.

Toxin-Free Assurance

Certified organic cotton contains No harmful herbicides, pesticides, or dyes, making it a safe and comfortable choice, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

image credit - istock

Gentle on You and the Planet

Choosing organic means choosing comfort without compromise. It’s light, breathable, and doesn’t harbor chemical residues, ensuring a fabric that’s safe on the skin and doesn’t trigger allergies.

image credit - istock

No More Lint Balls

Say goodbye to those fabric balls! Organic cotton doesn’t pill like synthetic fabrics, and any that does forms usually washes away.

image credit - istock

Earth-Friendly Practices

Going beyond personal benefits, organic cotton is a friend to the environment. It uses less water, avoids harmful chemicals, and even reduces its carbon footprint, contributing to a healthier planet.

image credit - istock

GMO-Free

No genetic modifications here! Organic cotton is grown from non-GMO seeds, steering clear of unnatural processes that can impact nature and the environment.

image credit - istock

Better for Farmers

Farmers benefit too! With fewer health risks and fair trading practices, organic cotton uplifts the hands who bring it to life. It’s a win for everyone involved.

image credit - istock

Safe Standards, Responsible Choices

When you choose organic cotton, you’re choosing safety. Rigid manufacturing standards ensure a product that’s safe to use. It’s not just a choice; it’s a responsible step towards a healthier and more sustainable world.

So, when you pick organic cotton, you’re not just getting great clothes – you’re embracing simplicity, supporting a healthier environment, and becoming a responsible part of the change.

Is It Truly Organic?

In the realm of sustainable cotton options, there are various choices. However, if you want to be certain that what you’re buying is truly organic, it’s crucial to opt for certified organic cotton. Always double-check that the cotton you’re purchasing carries a GOTS certification.

GOTS, or the Global Organic Textile Standard, was developed by prominent standard setters with the aim of establishing global requirements for organic textiles. These standards cover the entire process, starting from the responsible harvesting of raw materials to responsible manufacturing, ultimately providing credible assurance to customers. GOTS serves as a comprehensive framework, ensuring that organic textiles meet strict criteria at every stage of production.

To earn the GOTS stamp, organic cotton must check these boxes:

  1. 95% or More Organic Fibers: The fabric has to be mostly organic, with at least 95% certified organic fibers.
  2. No Nasty Chemicals: Say goodbye to bleach, dye, and toxic chemicals. GOTS insists on a clean, chemical-free process.
  3. Good for People and Planet: It’s not just about the cotton – the whole production process needs to be eco-friendly and fair. No child labour, fair wages, and minimal waste.
  4. Natural Colors Only: GOTS bans chemical dyes and carcinogenic compounds. Your clothes get their colors the natural way.
  5. Clean Wastewater: The water used in making your clothes must be treated properly. GOTS ensures that all the water from the production process doesn’t harm the environment.

Choosing GOTS-certified organic cotton means you’re not falling for false claims. It’s a guarantee that the brand is sticking to high organic standards. While it might seem a bit pricier at first, it’s a small price to pay for health, a clean environment, and fair treatment of farmers and communities. So, it’s not just about what you wear – it’s about making a choice that’s good for you, good for farmers, and good for the planet. Let’s swap to organic cotton and stitch a future that’s cleaner, healthier, and more caring.

Organic No Coffee Powder

A perfect substitute for Caffeinated Coffee that resembles any other coffee in Taste and aroma.

Sprouts & Microgreens

Grow the most nutritious living food – Sprouts and microgreens – within your kitchen using our premium organic desi seeds and essential tools!

Natural Laundry Liquid

Natural & organic laundry liquid detergent is made from the simple fermentation process to help remove tough stains from clothes & make them softer and long-lasting.

Natural Dishwashing Liquid

Enriched with good microbes derived from citric fruit peels, a bio enzyme cleaner saves you from the long-term harm of chemical cleaners & helps rejuvenate the planet

Natural Floor Cleaner

Enriched with good microbes, the bio enzyme cleaner keeps your floors clean without emitting toxic fumes.

Natural Toilet Cleaner

A safer & biodegradable toilet cleaner, rich in beneficial microbes that help break down all types of stubborn stains & provide long-lasting odour reduction.

Natural Laundry Liquid

Enriched with good microbes derived from rose petals, the All-Purpose bio cleaner helps reduce the concentration of VOCs indoors, protects from long-term harm of toxic fumes & rejuvenates the planet!

Natural Fruit & Veggie Wash

Enriched with good microbes derived from tulsi & moringa leaves, it is ideal for removing harmful bacteria & residual pesticides from within the flesh of fruits/vegetables & helps revive their original flavor.