Consumers often get confused in difference between natural and organic fibers. For most of us natural still seems the same as organic. However, it is a big confusion. “Natural” refers to products made from fibers that are found in nature, such as wool, cotton, bamboo, or hemp. They might not be grown or produced under strict conditions which would allow them to be certified organic.
Organic Cotton is now taking roots in Kyrgyzstan! Please, visit the following link for more info: http://www.organicconsumers.org/cfac/cotton060215.cfm
Conventional cotton
Statistics show that around 2.4% of the world's arable land is planted with cotton yet it accounts for 24% of the world's insecticide market and 11% of global pesticides sales, making it the most pesticide-intensive crop grown on the planet. The pesticides used by farmers not only kill cotton pests but also decimate populations of beneficial insects such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps.
Pesticides not only disrupt the balance of nature in the field, but also harm people who come in contact with them. According to the Organic Consumers Association, the use of pesticides, which includes insecticides, herbicides and fungicides, for conventional cotton production has created serious problems for human health and the environment in all cotton-growing regions worldwide.
The health of our planet has also been adversely affected by pesticides. The pesticides and synthetic fertilizers used on cotton routinely contaminate groundwater, surface water and pollute the water we drink. Fish, birds and other wildlife are also affected by the movement of these chemicals through the ecosystem.
Organically grown cotton
Working with rather than against nature is the guiding principle behind organic farming. Organic farmers use biologically-based rather than chemically dependent growing systems to raise crops. While many conventional farmers are reacting to the ecological disorder created by monocultures, organic farmers focus on preventing problems before they occur.
By focusing on managing rather than completely eliminating troublesome weeds and insects, organic farmers are able to maintain ecological balance and protect the environment.
Organic cotton is often hand picked, especially in developing countries, without the use of defoliants, machinery, or chemicals. Hand picking also means less waste.
Our organic cotton comes from India. It is certified organic according to GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) by Control Union, one of the oldest and most reputable independent certification organizations. Also, it is certified according to OKO TEX 100) to ensure that the cotton yarns used in production are safe for infants. The manufacturing plant is an ISO certified which ensures the fair trade labor, high quality management, environmental and control system along with strict manufacturing process.
When a grower or processor is "certified organic," an independent organisation has verified that the company meets or exceeds defined organic standards. Certified organic farms are inspected regularly and must maintain comprehensive records of their production methods. Certification of organic cotton production adds credibility to the final product, assures the buyer of the organic status of the product and encourages payment of premium prices to farmers who engage in organic practices