Reported by the Pesticide Action Network, conventional cotton farming uses only about 3 percent of total farmland but consumes 25 percent of the insecticides and 10 percent of the pesticides used globally. This affects the environment and also the farmers, their families and the communities who live and work surrounded by chemicals and who must find the money to pay for them.
However, organic cotton is grown by using just natural methods without these chemical inputs and without using genetically modified seeds. The cotton is rotated with other, mainly food, crops both replenishing the soil and making the farmers less dependent on one crop. Certified organic textiles also restrict the addition of further chemicals as cotton fibre is processed and turned into fabric and clothes.
Although made of different materials, the style of organic clothings is just the same as that of traditional clothings. Many retailers begin to provide organic clothings to the public.
Levi's is one of the fashion retailers who establish a line called Capital E™ to promote organic clothes.
Levi's® eco organic skinny, $65.00, www.levisstore.com
Gap is another mainstream boutique which provides organic clothing. According to a Gap press release, Gap offers this Khaki Looks line because of the increasing demand from its customers.
Military anorak, $69.99 and V-neck dress, $59.99, all from Gap
Sleeveless marled turtleneck sweater, $29.99; Clean Bermuda shorts, $39.50 and Leather fitted ballet flat, $39.50, all from Gap
Recently, H&M also launches a line for organic fashion. Being environmental concerned does not mean you need to give up your taste and waste much money, with more and more retailers willing to offer organic clothes, green world and trendy style are able to co-exist.
