Traditional Cotton Farming

In short, to maximize output, conventional cotton farming involves the use of many chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, insecticides) during the production process. These chemicals can literally destroy our ecosystems polluting the soil, water, air and the foods we eat.

While most of us are used to thinking of cotton as a pure, natural fiber, it is actually one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world. In fact, 1/3 pound of pesticides and chemicals are typically used in the production of just one cotton t-shirt!

What is the nature of these chemicals used in cotton farming and production?

According to the EPA, seven of the top 15 pesticides used in cotton production in 2000 were "possible," "likely," "probable" or "known" carcinogens. One example of such a chemical used as a pesticide is Aldicarb, which is actually on the World Health Organization’s “Extremely Hazardous” chemicals list. (1) A single drop of Aldicarb absorbed through the skin can kill an adult. Despite its danger, Aldicarb is the second-most used pesticide in global cotton production.

Yikes! If all of this has you throwing up your hands, don't despair.

Let's take a look at another alternative.

Organic Cotton

According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. In particular, organic cotton production systems:

• replenish and maintain soil fertility
• reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers
• build biologically diverse agriculture

What That Means For You

• safer for you and your family
• grown without the use of harmful chemicals
• typically dyed using non-toxic solutions
• grown in a way that is beneficial to the environment

Benefits to Baby

Organic cotton baby products, especially organic cotton clothing, can be a great way to limit your baby's exposure to toxins. It is becoming easier to find natural alternatives as more and more companies begin to incorporate organic fibers into their products.

When you shop for your baby, you can now find:

• organic cotton onesies
• organic crib sets
• natural diapers
• organic cotton bath towels
• organic cotton baby slings
• organic cotton baby layettes

In addition to speciality stores, several mainstream stores such as Walmart, The Gap, Old Navy, and Pottery Barn now offer organic baby products.

Interested in something personalized especially for your baby? How about an organic cotton baby quilt? To find out more, visit www.forevergreenquilts.com to learn more organic quilting from a gifted green quilter.

Be a savvy shopper!

Not everything that says organic or natural will be authentic. Look for product labeling that indicates it is made of "certified organic cotton."

In the US, the USDA regulates certification based on standards set in the Organic Food Production Act of 1990. However, due to a shortage of organic farms in the US, many organic cotton is sourced from farms overseas so many manufacturers seek certification from the International Inspection & Certification Organisation otherwise known as SKAL.

Sources: (1)The Deadly Chemicals in Cotton, Environmental Justice Foundation in collaboration with Pesticide Action Network UK, 2007, London, UK. ISBN 1-904523-10-2