Why Consider Organic Cotton Farming?

You're probably aware of organic fruits, vegetables and animal products. What you may not be aware of is organic cotton farming. Cotton is the most popular fabric in the entire world which comes from the cotton plant. Cotton is processed and used to create fabric used for all types of clothing like shirts, hats, skirts, pants, undergarments and more. Bedding, table linens and window treatments are also often made from cotton. It is light, attractive and comfortable. Cotton plants are grown in fields, and these fields can take a detrimental toll on the environment if non-organic methods are used.

Cotton used to be picked and processed by hand, until the invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney in the 19th century. These days there are all kinds of sophisticated machines which are used for the purposes of harvesting and processing cotton. You might think that organic farming doesn't apply to cotton. In fact, it is very important. Did you know that when you wear a non-organic cotton clothing item you are wearing dangerous chemicals on your body? It's true -- the chemicals used to grow the cotton end up in the finished product. When you wear a non-organic cotton product you are wearing toxic pesticides.

Organically grown cotton does not use any harmful soil additives, pesticides or fertilizers. Therefore, it is better for the environment and the people who wear the finished product. This type of cotton is soft and less likely to cause allergic skin reactions in sensitive persons. Another thing you will not find in organic cotton products is bleaches or synthetic dyes which can also cause skin irritation. You can feel good about wearing organic products because they are comfortable and good for the environment. If you want colored cotton you will find organic cotton that has been colored with natural vegetable and fruit based dyes. Some cotton plants are bred to have color.

Methods of organic cotton farming include natural compost to fertilize plants, crop rotation, natural soil enrichment, and natural pesticides. One method of natural pest control is the use of ladybugs. Ladybugs feed on pests that destroy or harm cotton plants. If you are a cotton farmer, you should definitely consider growing your cotton using organic methods. If you are a consumer, you should think about switching from non-organic cotton products to organically grown products.



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