Cotton has been part of our lives for over 7000 years and has been used daily. From clothes and denim to towels, undergarments, and even medical products, it is one of the world’s most widely used raw materials. But increased demand has forced farmers to resort to unsustainable farming methods, using large quantities of water, chemicals, and pesticides. If you like wearing cotton, here’s why we think you must switch to organic cotton:
1. It Is Sustainable:
Chemicals and pesticides harm the skin and contaminate ground water levels, thus making drinking water unsafe and potentially toxic. Organic cotton helps keep ground water clean – in fact, it has been found that water pollution is 98% less when using organic cotton than conventional cotton production. Organic cotton takes only about 71% less water and around 60% less energy than conventional cotton. Did you know it takes 1,800 gallons of water to produce enough cotton to manufacture a pair of jeans? In fact, besides rice, cotton is considered one of the most water-intensive crops and is even believed to have contributed to draining the Aral Sea in Central Asia.
Organic cotton cultivation also helps tackle pests naturally by preserving biodiversity and eliminating the use of chemicals and insecticides. Unlike synthetic pesticides, organic cotton cultivation reduces nitrogen in the atmosphere and produces 98% fewer greenhouse gases.
2. It is GMO-free:
Unlike in the past, today, nearly 80% of the cotton we use is genetically modified. This figure could go up to 95% in developing countries like China and India. The problem with GM crops is that they could accidentally create super-weeds resistant to sprays and could threaten native species. GMO cotton is considered one of the most toxic crops in the world.
In some countries, farmers using GMO cotton were said to have spent more on seeds, fertilisers, and insecticides in the long run. It is not economically viable to use GMO cotton as it makes them dependent on the manufacturer.
3. It Is Skin-Friendly:
Conventional cotton is likely to have residual pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers that could cause various skin problems like contact dermatitis, eczema, rashes, etc. Some of the chemicals used in manufacturing cotton include glyphosate, chlorine bleach, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, PFCs, Ammonia, and even heavy metals. Together, they help to keep the material smelling fresh and wrinkle-free. These chemicals can be very harmful and potentially carcinogenic. For instance, ammonia prevents shrinkage but can damage the lungs and cause respiratory disorders. Heavy metals found in fabrics such as lead and chromium could cause DNA mutation, reproductive issues, and kidney or liver damage.
Organic cotton is skin-friendly and reduces your exposure to harmful chemicals and synthetic dyes. In fact, you don’t have to worry about allergies when using clothes and towels made using organic cotton.
Loopys Turkish towels are perfect for people with sensitive skin and other skin problems. At Loopys, we believe in sustainable living. Our Turkish towels are made using 100% organic cotton. It does not include chemicals and other synthetic dyes that could harm or irritate the skin.
