The materials of clothing has drastically changed over the last couple of years, clothing can now be made out of bamboo, hemp, organic cotton, just to name a few. But organic cotton has by far been the most successful of the "green" types of clothing material. The use of organic cotton is rising rapidly, in 2001 only $245 million was spent on organic cotton, and just in 2005 it had increased to $583 million. So why choose organic cotton instead? Well, traditional cotton is still the leading choice for clothing materials, at $300 billion spent globally and yearly. But cotton has a lot of insecticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers, all used to help grow the cotton, just for the crop of cotton alone, 1/4 of the world's amount of insecticides are used. An even bigger issue, is that 7 out of the 15 pesticides (used to help aid in the growth of cotton) have been found as potential or known human carcinogens, which in the end hurts both humans and the environment. But the good news is that many new and hip designers are starting to use only organic cotton in their clothing lines, and because of peer pressure, now many more chain stores and upscale stores are using all organic cotton. Levi's, Victoria's Secret, Patagonia, are all using less and less cotton, and much more organic cotton. There are also websites that are available to the public, so that they can find what stores sell organic clothing, and how much of their clothing is organic. I think that using organic cotton is a great idea! The prices are the same, and they are equally as efficient to be grown, and grow well, they are almost equal on every level. If we can incorporate organic cotton into all clothes, I feel that the impact can only be positive. 
I think this is a great idea. It is very important for big name companies, like Levi and Victoria's Secret, to take place in this movement because if they do, others will follow. I have never thought about harmful things being in my clothing.
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting, like the person above I haven't ever thought about harmful ingredients in my clothing so its important for larger companies to spread the word.
ReplyDeleteThinking that my clothes could be something that is harming me is really strange and kind of scary to think about. I agree with saying that it is a great idea, especially if the price is the same. After reading this I will definitely start paying more attention to the clothes that I buy. I think eventually all companies should switch to all organic cotton. It would also help to get the word out to all of the consumers, a growing demand for organic cotton would help make this happen.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone, it's really scary to think about and I have never really considered the possibility that my clothing could be harmful. I think by using more and more organic cotton, the effects on the environment will be positive as a response to using less insecticides.
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