9  Things you should know about organic cotton

1. Seeds are untreated and never genetically engineered.
2. The soil in which the seeds are harvested is strengthened through crop rotation, compost application and the use of cover cropping and mulch. It also retains water more efficiently because of the increased organic matter.
3. Weeds are removed physically instead of with toxic chemicals, and they are further controlled through cultivation and hand hoeing.
4. Pests are controlled through the use beneficial insects that are natural predators. Trap crops also may be planted, to lure some insects away from the cotton.
5. Harvesting relies mostly on seasonal freeze for defoliation and, on occasion, defoliation may also be stimulated through water management.
6. Anvil uses organic cotton that is certified by independent third-party certifying bodies to the USDA’s NOP standard.
7. Gin, spinning, knitting and weaving machinery is cleaned out before use to avoid any contamination.
8. During dyeing and finishing, only chemicals and materials that meet organic processing standards are used. Anvil uses products that conform to the Ecological and Toxicological Association of Dyes and Organic Pigment Manufactures (ETAD) agreement standards.
9. During cutting and sewing, organic fabric is clearly identified and tracked.  

Frequently Asked Questions

So what does a content label that reads “made with organic cotton” really mean?

It means the manufacturer (mill) buys cotton from certified organic cotton farmers, who use no pesticides, fertilizers or genetically engineered seeds, in accordance with the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP). Most manufacturers also require that the cotton gins and yarn spinners also be certified by independent third parties to NOP standards. And it means the organic fabric is always clearly identified and tracked through the cutting and sewing process.

Why use organic clothing? Is it better for my skin or health?

Organic clothing has a different benefit compared to organic foods.  While organic foods are certainly better for your health, the largest benefit is for our planet.  Fewer chemicals and pestisides are the main reason for choosing organic.

Being that your average cotton shirt is made with pounds and pounds of chemicals you may wonder, what are the side effects? Good question! It turns out that over the past years there has been a rise in skin conditions which is being linked to different chemicals used to make clothing. One specific product for people with certain skin sensitivities is made from bamboo depending on the level of sensitivity.

How much does it matter?

Conventionally grown cotton consumes 25% of the insecticides and more than 10% of the pesticides used in the WORLD today! Conventional farming devours roughly 150 grams of pesticides and fertilizers to produce enough cotton for a single T-shirt.

Is organic cotton different from "Natural Cotton"?

Non-organic cotton is commonly portrayed as natural, yet it is highly cultivated and processed which contaminates groundwater and ultimately drinking water, poisoning the food chain.

Certified organic cotton is cotton grown without the use of harmful pesticides, herbicides or artificial fertilizers. It is also free of formaldehyde finishes. Organic cotton wears well and is extremely breathable, unlike synthetics that pill, emit static electricity, prematurely age and trap perspiration.