Welcome to the Organic Clothing blog! Organic clothing has become a popular topic for many reasons and we will be exploring and discussing everything associated with organic clothing and the hot new area of eco-fashion. We will be exploring ecological and environment issues, social issues such as Fair Trade and sweatshop practices, economic issues such as U.S. Government subsidies to cotton growers, hot fashion trends and eco-clothing designers, clothing selections, organic clothing manufacturers, natural fibers and fabrics, clothing and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, organic garment cost and prices, and anything else in the wide world of organic clothing that grabs our attention. During this journey, we hope that you also become involved and send your comments and thoughts, rants and ravings, hot buttons and cool ideas.
Let’s start by looking at what are “organic clothes” and why should we be interested. Simply, to qualify as being organic, organic textiles are made from raw natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, ramie, wool, and alpaca that have been grown without the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators or defoliants. Just because a shirt is made from a natural fiber such as cotton doesn’t mean that it is organic or can’t cause health problems. Growing the natural fibers organically is only half the equation to qualify as organic clothing. The manufacturing process is the other half and often the half that is the most abused by toxic chemicals. Organic clothes do not receive any synthetic chemical finishes or treatments such as moth resistant, fire retardant, easy care, anti-pilling, stain resistant, or wrinkle-free. Dyes used on organic clothing should be either plant / mineral derived or if not of natural origin are environmentally responsible low impact dyes. No heavy metals or other harmful chemicals should be used in the dyeing process. An ethically and environmentally aware approach is extended to all aspects of the organic clothing industry.
This “ethical and environmental awareness” found throughout the organic clothing industry is one of its more fascinating qualities. To simply be organically grown and manufactured isn’t adequate. “Living lightly upon the Earth” is entrenched into the organic clothing industry and market. Fair Trade practices to insure that the farm and garment workers receive a fair and just wage for their efforts are also a cornerstone of the organic clothing industry. We’ll explore this more carefully in a future blog.
In the next blog, we will look at the many benefits and advantages of wearing organic clothing.
Interesting and beautiful blog. I would also stress that organic production practices must be verified by an independent third party certifier to ensure they conform with federal standards. This is one of the most important distinctions between the organic definition and "Eco," "green," "sustainable" and the like.
Also, the www.ota.com web site has organic fiber processing standards readers can access in addition to information on organic cotton, and even organic wool now!
Hope this is helpful!
Sandra Marquardt
M+R Strategic Services
202-478-6411
Posted by: Sandra | October 26, 2005 at 10:04 AM
I am wondering if anyone has come across studies or data, suggesting to the treatment of conventional cotton and increase risk of childhood cancers? Any information relating to this topic would be very helpul.
Kristen
Joli Bébé Boutique
Posted by: Joli Bebe Boutique | June 23, 2006 at 09:47 PM