When times are hard, the way you spend your money takes on a greater significance. The ‘organic’ label has sometimes been associated with premium prices, yet when you factor in the higher quality, the positive effect on biodiversity, and the health benefits to the individual and the planet, they often provide better value over time than cheaper alternatives (not to mention the hidden costs conventional products impose on the tax payer).
Supporting your local farmers and growers keeps money in the local economy, where it can help to bolster employment and quality of life. Greenfibres makes the vast majority of its clothing and bedding products in the UK and in Continental Europe, so even with textiles you can still make choices based on local, health, and ethical grounds.
Conventional cotton – despite its ‘clean and natural’ image – is one of the most polluting crops in the world. Grown on about 1 hectare in 25 (of the world’s arable land) it accounts for around 1/4 of the global insecticide market. So buying organic cotton clothing and bedding can make a significant contribution to the reduction of insecticide use, as well as cutting out a potential source of toxins in your home and in contact with your skin.
Most people are surprised by the idea that they can absorb toxic chemicals from contact with clothing – until they think about how nicotine patches work. Finishing chemicals (for example formaldehyde) commonly used on conventional cotton can be absorbed into the skin in the same way.
The economic, social, and spiritual crisis we’re going through is deep enough that ideas thought of as ‘off the wall’ 3 years ago, are now being considered as ‘possibilities’ by mainstream politicians and decision makers. By supporting small, independent, ethical businesses aimed at “doing things better” – rather than always “growth” – you’re contributing to a more thoughtful and sustainable future. Thanks / Ph
Cotton is also one of the thirstiest plants on the planet so it needs a lot of irrigation to grow, even organic crops, which in some countries means diverting clean water away from other uses such as domestic use. Hardier alternatives are hemp and linen, which need less water and overall are less susceptible to pests, thereby requiring less pesticides and herbicides naturally. Newer production methods also mean that these fabrics can be finished to a softer, more polished standard making them genuine alternatives to cotton. Bamboo is also becoming popular as it is a fast growing crop and also fairly hardy, and is really soft, too, so as long as it it grown ethically and sustainably and without encroaching on animal habitats it is also a great alternative.