Popularity of Cotton
Cotton is the most loved and easily the most popular choice of people when it comes to clothing. The conventional cotton usage hit a major blockade when it was revealed that cotton farming used the maximum pesticides and fertilizers that are harmful. The demand for cotton saw the indiscriminate use of pesticides and fertilizers that contributed a whopping 25% of all pesticides used in farming, according to USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).In its wake it left behind contaminated ground and surface water. Wildlife and marine life was heavily impacted and resulted in reduced reproduction, mass extinction of many species and diseased population.
The Turnaround
This resulted in a turnaround as the usage of chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides was totally stopped in cotton farms owned by private parties. More and more cotton farms are embracing organic farming methods to reduce contamination and pollution of the available land and water.
The organic cotton farming is faced with challenges as they are not getting the cost in return for value addition. Insect and weed menace is to be tackled, the increased labor cost is an issue and the resultant increase in production cost makes it difficult for organic cotton growers to find suitable market for their produce.
The Organic Colored Cotton
Colored dyes are still a major irritant as dyes contain harmful and poisonous chemicals but manufactures are turning to organically colored cotton to solve the problem. Colored cotton in shades of yellow, green, brown and red brown are now available.
The advantages are:
(i) The cost of colored organic cotton is 20%-30% cheaper.
(ii) The use of synthetic dyes is greatly reduced.
(iii) Organic colored cotton does not bleed color, in fact the color shade deepens as one uses it more and more.
(iv) In addition to being more suitable for the chemically allergic people, it is definitely much more softer on the skin.
Re-cycling Of Cotton
Eco- fiber is another name for recycled cotton. The wastage during spinning, weaving and cutting is retrieved and used again.No harsh chemicals are used in the processing of Eco-fiber.
When organic cotton is mentioned people see dull colors, rough texture and color bleeding. It is a myth that needs to be shattered.
100% organic apparel need not be dull and rough on the skin. It is possible to infuse bright colors and fast colors in the 100% organic cotton apparels. Simply put the apparel don't bleed away their colors when they are washed.
