Why I Buy Organic Cotton Clothing
We hear a lot about organic food, but what about organic clothing? As someone who cares deeply about the environment and my own health, I always make sure to opt for organic cotton over fabrics that contain plastic or unhealthy chemicals whenever possible (note: this is definitely not always possible!).
What Makes Organic Cotton So Special?
Organic cotton is made without the use of fertilizers or pesticides, making it better for both the environment and our health. It is grown in soil that has been certified organic and maintained with natural substances like compost and mulch instead of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This means that organic cotton does not contain any toxins or contaminants, making it a healthier choice than other fabrics on the market today. Plus, since no synthetic materials are used in production, organic cotton also uses less energy than other clothes, which helps reduce our carbon footprint.
Examples Of 5 Toxic Fabrics To Avoid
Rayon - Despite being derived from wood pulp, rayon contains many toxic chemicals and is not biodegradable. It's also highly flammable so it should always be kept away from open flames!
Polyester - Polyester is made from petroleum-based products which release microplastics into our waterways when washed. Additionally, polyester can take up to 200 years to decompose in landfills.
Acrylic - Acrylic fabric is made from synthetic fibers which contain potentially harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and styrene acrylic esters. It can also cause skin irritation in some people due to its coarse texture.
Nylon - Nylon fabric is made using petroleum-based products including polyamides which often contain formaldehyde resin (which has been linked to cancer). Nylon also takes hundreds of years to degrade in a landfill.
Spandex – Spandex contains elastane (or Lycra), which contains polyurethane – a petroleum-based product that doesn't biodegrade easily and releases harmful toxins into our environment when washed.
In summary, organic cotton clothing offers the best of both worlds—it's better for your health as well as better for the environment. Not only does it not contain any toxins or contaminants from chemical fertilizers or pesticides but it also uses less energy during production than other fabrics on the market today. When shopping for clothing items such as dresses, shirts, pants and more make sure you choose 100% organic cotton over fabrics containing plastic or toxic chemicals like rayon, polyester, acrylic nylon or spandex when you can.
Living a non-toxic lifestyle starts with small changes such as choosing organic cotton over other fabrics whenever possible, so start today.
