ORGANIC COTTON VS. CONVENTIONAL: IS ORGANIC REALLY BETTER?
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I think there’s a notion that anything labeled ‘organic’ equates to a miracle product with no drawbacks and that it will always be better than its ‘regular’ counterpart.
Even when researching for this post, I was going in with the question of how is organic cotton better than conventional?
The truth is it’s not as simple as it seems- when it comes to sustainability, unfortunately the solutions never are.
But that doesn’t mean you should abandon cotton completely.
The Differences Between Conventional and Organic Cotton
Water Use
Organic cotton not only uses less water, its source of water is also more environmentally friendly.
Cotton is watered either by rainfall or irrigation.
Conventional cotton is watered using the irrigation system which can create harmful runoff, polluting the surrounding ecosystem.
In contrast, rainfall is used to water 80% of organic cotton, according to the Textile Exchange.
Pesticide Use
The use of pesticides seems to be part and parcel with crop growing; however, the hazardous pesticides used in conventional cotton growing can wreak havoc on not only the environment but farmers health as well.
One example is Glyphosate, a herbicide used to kill weeds and grasses found in Roundup. This herbicide has been labeled as a possible carcinogen by the World Health Organization after studies conducted on farmers’ health.
Organic cotton uses natural and organic pesticides but that doesn’t mean they don’t come with their own host of concerns.
CO2 Emissions
Since organic cotton does not use nitrous-dioxide pesticides in its farming practices, it uses emits 46% less CO2 than conventional cotton.
Yield
Currently, organic cotton accounts for less than 1% of the total amount of cotton cultivated globally per year. The reason is because the growing process is inefficient compared to conventional cotton.
Conventional cotton has been engineered to produce more fibre per plant. This means that if we were to replace all conventional cotton with organic cotton, it would take more land to yield that same amount of conventional cotton.
Why does this matter?
Connecting this back to CO2 emissions, farming organic cotton at the same scale as conventional cotton, could produce more CO2 emissions given the difference in yield, according to a report by Quartz.
The Main Takeaway
There is no miracle sustainable fabric and if there was, organic cotton would probably not be it.
Overall, while imperfect, I still believe organic cotton is preferable to its conventional counterpart.
Since most (if not all) fabrics- regardless of whether they’re sustainable or not- impact the environment in some way, more emphasis should be placed on buying less, buying well and making your clothing last as long as possible.
To buy well when it comes to cotton, opt for GOTS- certified organic cotton. This certifications ensures garments are not made with any harmful chemicals or processes from the growing stage to manufacturing.
Below are 11 brands that use GOTS-certified organic cotton.
Boyish
Offers women’s denim jeans, shorts, skirts, jackets
Fabrics: organic cotton, recycled cotton, deadstock fabrics, Tencel Lyocell, natural plant based dyes
Certifications: OEKO-TEX 100 Standard, ISO9001 Certified, Organic 100 Content Standard, Global Recycled Standard, GOTS, Remake Approved
Packaging: 100% compostable shipping bags, labels made from recycled materials, hang tags made from recycled paper
Based in California
Give Back Programs: 1% For the Planet partner. They partner with Solar Sister, Keep A Breast, Friends of the LA River, California Coast Keeper Alliance, Fair Trade USA
Price Range: $173. 15 CAD
Sizing: Bottoms US 000-14 (XXS-XL; 22-32)
Favourite Item: The Toby | Lavender Hill
CHNGE
Offers t-shirts, crop tops, sweatshirts, sweatpants, mocknecks
Fabrics: organic cotton
Certifications: GOTS
Based in New York City
Price Range: $44.47 CAD
Sizing: 2XS-4X
Favourite Item: Mauve Marble Tie Dye University Hoodie
The Classic T-Shirt Company
Offers men’s and women’s luxury basics
Fabrics: organic cotton
Certifications: GOTS
Based in California
Give Back Programs: 1% of profits goes towards safe water, tree planting and ocean cleanup initiatives
Price Range: $66.63 CAD
Size Range: XS-2X
Favourite Item: Women’s Short Sleeve Crew Neck in Copper
Kowtow
Offers elevated casual wear for men and women
Fabrics: organic cotton, regenerated nylon, Tencel, mohair, alpaca, wool
Certifications: Fairtrade, NPOP, FSC, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, ISO 14000
Packaging: swing tags and boxes made from FSC approved paper. Packaging is printed with soy-based inks and is recyclable.
Based in New Zealand
Price Range: $268.05 CAD
Size Range: Bottoms US Women’s size 0-12 (XXS-XL); Men’s S-XL
Favourite Item: Robbie Top in Dots
Knickey
Offers women’s underwear and bralettes
Fabrics: organic cotton
Certifications: GOTS, OEKO-TEX
Based in New York City
Price Range: $33.00 CAD
Size Range: 2XS- 3X
Favourite Item: The Keyhole in Midnight Moon
Made Trade
Offers women’s, men’s and kids clothing, furniture, home goods, shoes and accessories
Fabrics: econyl, repreve, reclaimed fabric, organic cotton, Tencel, recycled polyester, hemp
Certifications: 1% For the Planet, Fair Trade, GOTS
Packaging: 100% Carbon neutral shipping
Based in North Carolina
Give Back Programs: 1% donated to grassroots organizations
Price Range: $121.46 CAD
Size Range: 0-16
Favourite Item: Cremini Pima Knit Pants
Organic Basics
Offers women’s and men’s underwear, basics and athleticwear
Fabrics: organic cotton, recycled nylon, TENCEL Lyocell, recycled wool, recycled cashmere
Certifications: Certified B Corporation, GOTS, GRS, Standard 100, OEKO-TEX
Based in Denmark
Price Range: $132. 94 CAD
Size Range: XS-XL
Favourite Item: Organic Cotton Mid-Weight Cropped Sweat in Navy
Pact
Offer’s women’s, men’s and children’s basics.
Fabrics: organic cotton, elastane, linen, non-toxic dyes and chemicals
Certifications: GOTS, Fair Trade
Packaging: packaging is biodegradable, recyclable and compostable
Based in Colorado
Give Back Programs: Give Back, Wear Forward
Price Range: $74.90 CAD
Size Range: XS- 3XL (0-24)
Favourite Item: Fit & Flare Strappy Midi Dress in Mulberry
Synergy
Offers elevated basics, activewear and outerwear
Fabrics: organic cotton, lyocell
Certifications: GOTS, Certified B Corporation, Fair Trade Certified Factory, Organic Trade Association member
Based in California
Price Range: $103.80 CAD
Size Range: XS-XL
Favourite Item: Cadence Romper in Chateau Grey
LA Relaxed
Offers women’s relaxed casual wear, sleepwear, and kids clothing
Fabrics: organic cotton, Tencel lyocell, Tencel modal, linen, hemp, EcoViscose
Certifications: GOTS, Bluesign Certified
Based in California
Price Range: $64.35 CAD
Size Range: XS-2X
Favourite Item: Well Loved Organic Crop in Ivory
Vege Threads
Offers basics, underwear, swimwear
Fabrics: organic cotton, merino wool, econyl, Lycra Xtra Life, hemp
Certifications: GOTS, Australian Certified Organics (ACO), Responsible Wool Standard, Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA), 1% for the Planet
Based in Australia
Price Range: $105.42
Size Range: XS-3X
Favourite Item: Organic Fleece Sweat Pant in Rust
What are your thoughts on cotton?
Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time,
Sources:
- The Impact of a Cotton T-Shirt by World Wildlife Fund
- Report: The Truth About Organic Cotton and it’s Impacts by Sourcing Journal
- Organic Cotton and Climate Change by Soil Association
- Clothes and Climate: Is Cotton Best? By Environmental Justice Foundation
- Why Go for Organic Cotton? By Organic Textiles
- Organic Cotton Vs. Cotton: What’s the Difference? By Wama Underwear
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