Why Organic

Probably most of the clothes you are wearing right now are made of cotton. But are you aware of just how many pesticides go into producing just one non-organic cotton t-shirt? One cupful! The use of so many chemicals affects everyone involved, even you!

20,000 people die per year and an untold number of people have chronic health problems arising from the use of pesticides on cotton crops. A further 200,000 farmers commit suicide as a result of debt caused by pesticide purchase. (WHO figures)

Effect on the environment: Worldwide, conventional cotton farming uses only about 3% of farmland. However, it consumes 25% of insecticides and more than 10% of the pesticides used globally. In India it's as much as 50% of pesticides used on just 5% of the total agricultural land. At least three of the chemicals used in cotton production are in the 'dirty dozen' – so dangerous that 120 countries agreed at a UNEP conference in 2001 to ban them. So far this hasn't happened.

Effect on the consumer: Our skin is estimated to absorb 60% of the substances it comes into contact with. Organic cotton is therefore healthier, particularly if you have sensitive skin or allergies. For more information contact PAN (Pesticide Action Network) www.pan-uk.org 

That people will make the connection between the benefits of wearing organic cotton clothing and health in the same way that people now recognise the benefits of eating organic food. That such recognition will have a huge impact on the livelihoods of those involved in the cotton industry.