Green Living Stores

Organic cotton is grown using different methods than conventional cotton and is often produced for the purpose of organic clothing.  In ordered to be labeled as organic, growers, producers, and manufacturers must follow strict guidelines.  Everything about the process is inspected carefully.  If any of the standards or guidelines are not met, then the cotton cannot be certified as organic.

The process of making organic cotton begins with the soil.  Most organic farmers use soil that is extra rich in nutrients.  When the soil is healthy, the plant will be healthy and more resistant to problems that would otherwise require chemicals like pesticides or herbicides.

Farmers create nutritious soil by crop rotation and cover cropping.  Crop rotation is a practice in which different crops are rotated among the same fields.  By varying the crops in each field, over time, it enriches the soil with different nutrients that help sustain the cotton crop the next time it is planted.  Cover cropping is a system of planting crops that cover the soil and help prevent erosion.  It also provides nitrogen for the upcoming cotton crop if it is tilled into the soil prior to planting or it can reduce the release of nutrients if planted after the cotton.

There are numerous benefits to growing organic cotton.  The main benefit is that there are fewer chemicals in the environment.  Research has proven that exposure to harsh chemicals like pesticides can cause mild problems such as headaches and nausea.  Prolonged exposure can cause more serious illnesses like cancer or problems with our hormones, nervous system, reproductive system and immune system.  Goods grown organically also retain more of their natural nutritional value.

For my birthday this year, my girlfriend bought me an organic bath robe and I have to say that it’s the most comfortable bath robe I’ve ever worn.  Now even though I’ve only worn a bath robe a total of three times (one of which was when I was 6 years old), I know comfort and I’m in love with this bamboo bath robe.  The material isn’t at all abrasive and if I could get away with wearing it to work, I would.

Purchasing fair trade clothing may seem like something that it’s a trend, but it should be a long-term commitment that can have some really positive effects.  Most commercially available clothes are manufactured in sweatshops; even brands that are advertised as sweatshop-free and made in the United States (such as American Apparel), have run into accusations of discouraging their employees from unionizing. 

Fair trade clothing ensures that you can be fashionable without having your ethics compromised in anyway.  In the end, it’s all a fair game.

Knit pullover in Hemp and Flax fabric will set the tone for your new Green Living way of looking at how you choose and wear your clothing.  www.NaturalOrganicClothes.com also has A Knit Cardigan, Knit Hooded Sweater and Drawstring Pants in 100% Hemp.  For the person who does not want to wear clothing made from animal hair (wool)  this will be a perfect solution.  Clothing made from organic cotton is also available to dress yourself in eco friendly fabrics that are classically fashionable without the waste of buying cheap and throwing away for the next season of your clothing choices.

Escaping the trappings of novelty t-shirts, more and more companies are beginning to start selling wares that are fashion forward.  Take, for example, Natural Organic Clothes, who are currently selling a great-looking spaghetti-strap dress.

Organic dresses that are look hot and flattering seem like they’re a bit hard to come by and with summer fast approaching, this dress is perfect for hitting the farmer’s market, the beach, or curling up with a book in the park.

I’ve been vegan for a number of years but I didn’t temper my dressing habits until recently.  Up until two years ago, I wasn’t even aware that finding animal-friendly, organic clothes were so easy.  For example, I had a rather difficult time finding vegan shoes that weren’t expensive or uncomfortable (I realize that Converse and Vans are canvas, but they are murder on my feet).  Then I made a trip to my local skateboard shop and found a pair of ridiculously comfortable skate shoes that I’ve been wearing since then.

Now my lifestyle is completely vegan and environmentally healthy and I though the transition took a bit longer than I would’ve liked, I’m finding that my lifestyle seems far more plentiful than before.

Wearing organic clothing isn’t about attaching yourself to a movement or, to some, a popular trend; it’s also about being aware.  Chemically-treated cotton contains several pesticides and can be harmful to both adults and children alike.  Also, you have to wonder what becomes of the chemicals that aren’t full absorbed by the cotton.  They’re found in our air, water and soil.  Destroying this planet for fashion seems rather counterproductive, if not a tad bit selfish.

Finding eco-friendly clothing isn’t difficult nowadays and it’s even more common that you’ll find textiles that haven’t been in a sweatshop environment.  The next time you’re thinking about buying a cheaply made shirt from a store, think about all the harm that that article of clothing may have caused and think about the benefits – both environmentally and to your personal health – of buying an organic counterpart.  You may feel a little bit better about it.

Wearing organic clothing isn’t about attaching yourself to a movement or, to some, a popular trend; it’s also about being aware.  Chemically-treated cotton contains several pesticides and can be harmful to both adults and children alike.  Also, you have to wonder what becomes of the chemicals that aren’t full absorbed by the cotton.  They’re found in our air, water and soil.  Destroying this planet for fashion seems rather counterproductive, if not a tad bit selfish.

Finding eco-friendly clothing isn’t difficult nowadays and it’s even more common that you’ll find textiles that haven’t been in a sweatshop environment.  The next time you’re thinking about buying a cheaply made shirt from a store, think about all the harm that that article of clothing may have caused and think about the benefits – both environmentally and to your personal health – of buying an organic counterpart.  You may feel a little bit better about it.