Know anything about organic cotton?

[ehcor]

I've been seeing it everywhere lately and was wondering what the deal was--Is it worth the money? How is it different than regular 100% cotton? I'm particularly curious about organic cotton sheets/towels and some baby-wear items I'm looking to buy for a neighbor who's expecting. Thanks.

[bstandlee]

Conventionally grown cotton uses LOTS of pesticides and chemicals to grow. Also, when cotton is processed, more chemicals and bleaches are used. So it's hard on the environment, and potentially dangerous for the buyer since inevitably some of the chemicals must remain in the product.

I am currently pregnant and am buying/registering for as many organic things as is feasible (some are just too exorbitant to justify I think).

I am also looking into bamboo sheets/towels. Bamboo needs no chemicals to grow or process and is more absorbent and softer than cotton. I have found bamboo baby towels to be comparable in price to organic cotton baby towels (www.bamboosa.com)

[Sadystar]

The advantages of organic cotton are many.

The wearer is not exposed to the pesticide residues that can be found on what is unfortunately termed "conventionally grown" cotton. Rising levels of dioxins are thought to be to blame for many modern ills. There is particular concern and evidence to suggest that dioxins in tampons may have led to a rise in endometriosis. So not only t-shirts and towels, but perhaps more important for intimate items (whether disposable or washable sanpro) and for our little ones whose immune systems are weaker.


However the more important and compassionate reasons to support the production of organic cotton are more altruistic and requires us to think outside of our own small worlds.

Estimates range from 10 - 25% of ALL pesticides used in the world go on to cotton crops. Combined with the fact that most cotton is produced in developing countries where there are less tight controls on safety and less money for proper equipment and healthcare - this exposes workers and whole communities to the terrible side effects of pesticide use.

Most companies that use organic cotton will be ethically minded and will likely transfer this to their production values. I say most, because as OC catches on it will no doubt be found in the bigger chains too, who perhaps wish to make a buck from this trend but not really have the commitment to the ethic. So make sure it is not only organic but also fair trade.

All in all, organic cotton will not only be better for our babies but for the babies whose start in life will be much worse than our own anyhow.

It may cost more, but the truth is that we are not seeing the hidden costs in "conventionally grown" cotton.

My personal resolution this year is to try to buy only organic cotton or other organic/ethical fabrics - failing that, to buy secondhand.

Sadystar x.

[ehcor]

thanks a lot for the link, bstandlee! I think I'm going to get the "The BIG Bamboo Bundle" baby set for my neighbor.

from SadystarIt may cost more, but the truth is that we are not seeing the hidden costs in "conventionally grown" cotton.

good point--it's true about stuff like food, but it's good to be reminded about other products---. I think I'll order a set of sheets and towels in bamboo and the organic cotton to see which I like best.--thanks for the other info, too--I knew the wise women of MDC would be able to break it down for me :-).

[Brown Lioness]

Bump! Because hubby and I are in the market for new sheets, comforters, and such. I really want to buy organic but the PRICES are EXUBERANT! :

Is there anyone getting organic linens at reasonable prices?

[3girlmom]

I actually saw some at Target the other week - they were very reasonably priced. Our organic sheets are from Anna Sova - www.annasova.com - the plain ones are reasonable-ish and sometimes there are sales.

I think it takes like 3/4 of a pound of pesticides to produce 1 pound of cotton.