Tonnes of toxic chemicals are used in the conventional farming and production of clothing and textiles. From the farming of the crop, to the production of the yarns, to the finishing of garments, chemicals are used that eventually end up in the environment, causing devastation to plant and animal life indiscriminantly. When you add in the human cost to farmers and their families who are in direct contact with these nasty chemicals, this becomes an even bigger issue that we cannot ignore.
- 20,000 deaths occur from pesticide poisoning every year in developing countries, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- Organic clothing and textiles are produced without the use of harmful chemicals and systems, providing a solution that’s better for people and better for the planet. This makes so much sense to us here at Adili!!
- Organic agriculture uses methods that are natural and ecological, whilst being socially and economically sustainable. Replacing chemical pest control with natural enemies and using crop rotation to help maintain soil fertility are just some of the ways that organic farming helps to promote a healthy environment.
- To farmers, the organic way means no more sickness caused by proximity to ghastly chemicals. It also means that there’s no longer need to get into the debt that’s often caused when buying expensive agrochemicals and artificial fertilizers (mainly sold by multinational businesses).
- There are various organic standards relating to textiles and whilst some only cover the growing of the fibre others certify the finished product, thereby including considerations for the environmental sustainability of the yarn, the fabric processing, the dyeing, the finishing and the accessories.
- Cotton has a lot to answer for, as it’s a hugely chemical-intensive crop, using approximately 25% of the world's insecticides and 10% of the world's pesticides (but it only grows on 3% of the world's farmland).
Organic cotton is grown without insecticide or pesticide or the use of genetically modified seeds – in other words it's guaranteed 100% natural and chemical-free. It’s typically rotated with other crops – replenishing the soil and reducing farmers' dependency on a single crop. Certified organic cotton textiles also ban the addition of chemicals as the fibre is turned into cloth.
Organic wool comes from sheep raised organically, to high standards of animal welfare and without being "mulesed" (a cruel process whereby chunks of flesh are cut off the sheep's backside to prevent flystrike). Depending on the certification it also means that various chemicals and other harmful substances have been banned from use during the cleaning, spinning, dyeing and further processes.
Organic leather comes from animals raised on organic farms and is tanned and processed in an environmentally-friendly manner. There is very little certified organic leather currently available. Click here for more information on our leather policy.
Other organic textiles - obviously any fibre from a natural source could be grown organically. Here we've looked at the most common natural materials that are used in clothing and textiles. However, even though organic cotton is a vast improvement on its non-organic counter-part, it’s still "the world’s thirstiest crop" and takes "a total of 2,000 litres to produce one cotton t-shirt" (Environmental Justice Foundation). There's a range of other alternative fibres that can be even kinder to the environment.
By buying organic products, you’re helping to save our planet and the lives of those involved in the production. Right now organic products tend to be more expensive than conventional products. As demand grows, the industry will have adapt and support and promote organic farming. So help us create the demand for organics.
Organic issues also come into play with cosmetics and skincare. Do you really know what you’re putting on your skin?