Recently I had the opportunity to try some 100% organic cotton products (GoBaby.com, Maggie’s Organics, Ecobags). The one thing that I noticed with all the products is how soft they were.

Studies say that there is no difference in softness between 100% organic cotton and conventional cotton but I beg to differ. In my (and my 3 yr old daughter’s) oh so scientific touch and feel tests we have found that 100% organic cotton is softer, but I digress.

What studies have shown is that conventional cotton is one of the most chemically-dependent crops.

According to The green basics on Treehugger.com

• 1/3 of a pound of chemicals are needed to produce enough cotton for a T-shirt
• 3/4 of a pound for a pair of jeans
• 10 percent of all agricultural chemicals & 25 percent of insecticides on 3 percent of our arable land go to growing cotton

Those are some astounding numbers!

Numbers that made me look at the clothes that my family and I were wearing in a whole new light. I couldn’t help but think about the people who may be picking that cotton and what affect those chemicals might be having on them and their family.

Unlike conventional cotton, organically grown cotton is not treated with pesticides, herbicides or petroleum based fertilizers and is manufactured in a much more environmentally sustainable way.

• Frequent crop rotations
• Replacement of synthetic fertilizers with cover crop strategies
• Cultivation of natural enemies to prey on insect pests
• The use of trap crops to lure pests away
• Controlling weeds with innovative farm machinery and hand labor rather than herbicide applications

It is no wonder that the price of 100% organic cotton products can be higher than products made with conventionally grown cotton.

The question then becomes, is it worth it?   

I have to say Yes!

It is worth it for the environment, for the farmers & manufacturing personnel being exposed to the chemicals and for us, the consumers.

It is my hope that by spreading the word about the difference in how conventional cotton and organic cotton are grown, I can help increase awareness which in turn will increase the demand for organically grown cotton products which will decrease the price of these products making them affordable for all.

Next time you purchase an item made from cotton; be it clothing, cotton balls, Q-tips, or towels, choose one made from 100% organically grown cotton and help spread the word!