Dressing for Our Planet’s Success |
With the growing fervor for all things green, consumers are looking for products and services that reflect their earth-centered values. One sector experiencing tremendous growth is organic fashion. From pants to panties, and shorts to suits, designers incorporating sustainable fibers – such as, organic cotton, hemp, bamboo and soy – are finding increasing numbers of customers who choose to express their values with socially conscious clothing.
Cotton meets approximately 50% of the planet’s fiber needs, yet accounts for one-quarter “of all the agricultural insecticides applied globally each year.” It is the “most pesticide-intensive crop grown on the planet.” Many of these synthetic chemicals are known carcinogens; several others are suspected of cancer-causing properties. Undesirable insects (“pests”) gradually become immune to these synthetic compounds, and beneficial insects – their natural predators – succumb to the pesticides. As a result, farmers must continually boost the dosage to be even marginally effective. This is not cost-effective for the farmer, and is damaging to his community.
First, a direct link has been established between certain diseases and consistent exposure to these chemicals. Workers in cotton fields around the world have reported neurological and vision disorders, chromosomal aberrations and other cellular augmentations. Juvenile and pet cancers are on the rise where parents consistently use synthetic pesticides in their homes or gardens. Thousands of people die each year from pesticide poisoning.
Synthetic pesticides (insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) contaminate the soil in which the cotton plant is growing, then by way of runoff pollute primary sources of water for many communities, plants and native wildlife. That which falls onto the plant itself is absorbed. When native birds or butterflies come to feed or pollinate, they are exposed to the contaminated plant; tens of millions of birds die each year because of intense pesticide use.
As humans, we are not safe from the effects of traditional cotton farming. If we purchase cotton clothing, we are draping pesticide-laden fabrics over our bodies. Seed from the plant – cottonseed – is used in animal feed and ‘our food.’ Animals fed with products made from traditionally farmed cottonseed store these toxic chemicals in fatty tissue, and pass them onto the humans who dine on them. Cottonseed oil also finds its way into many of our processed foods, such as potato chips and salad dressings.
Organic cotton farming techniques focus on biologically-based versus synthetic procedures to manage, rather than mandate, natural systems. The benefits are many, from cleaner soils and waterways, to healthier workers and wildlife. Shopping with a conscience indicates a broadening awareness among consumers of the impact their decisions make on the planet. Perhaps culturally and intellectually, we are shifting toward reconnecting with nature.
Recently, more organic and sustainable clothing products have entered the online shopping scene. Styles now range from traditional neo-hippie to corporate executive, and everything in between. Trendy as well as timeless pieces are readily available. No longer are we limited to organic garments in white or ‘natural’. Thanks to plant-based dyes, socially conscious clothing comes in a variety of vibrant colors. Increased competition in the marketplace has also brought prices down so that average-income families may afford these items. Wal-Mart has become the world’s number one purchaser of organic cotton.
Surprisingly, one of the best resources for organic clothing at reasonable prices is eBay. Stores like Natural Living and Rage Baby Clothing offer high-quality clothing for the entire family.
Nobody is suggesting we give away all our clothing to make way for a closet full of organic garb. But as pieces become worn, replace them with items constructed with organic cotton, hemp, bamboo or soy. Worn clothing should be donated to charitable organizations. Damaged clothing may go to seamstresses creating ‘recycled’ fashions. As an aside, we all could do better at curbing our consumption; buy only what you need and in styles and colors that may last a few seasons.
Links:
Organic Consumers Association , “Clothing for a Change Campaign”
Pesticide Action Network North America
Organic Exchange
“Organic for everyone, the Wal-Mart way ,” by Marc Gunther for Fortune magazine
“Why is organic cotton clothing so cool ?” by Larry West |
Christy Ilfrey |
| About the author: |
| Christy Tinsley-Ilfrey is an entrepreneur, gardener, eco-goddess; a wife, mother-to-be, daughter, sister; but mostly she sees herself as a writer. Someday, she hopes to become a really good one. Read more about her and by her at http://greenqueendom.blogspot.com or contact her at
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