Why Buy Organic and Fairtrade Cotton Clothes?

If you are doing your best to raise a healthy baby then good for you! Babies are life's most precious gift and should be taken care of accordingly. That is why you should research the advantages of organic cotton for your baby's clothes instead of the conventional cotton. Read on to discover the major differences between conventional cotton and organic cotton.

Conventional cotton is the one of the most pesticide laden crops in the world. Only coffee surpasses cotton in the amount of pesticides used. Conventional cotton farming involves the use of very heavy spraying of pesticides and herbicides, but it doesn't stop there. Once the cotton is turned into fabric, chlorine bleach is used to give it a clean white color. Then formaldehyde is applied as a finisher. Here is a scary statistic: Approximately 1/3 of a pound of chemicals is used to grow and produce just one t-shirt. So as you can see, conventional cotton is harmful to the environment and to the people that wear the clothing made from conventional cotton.

The process of growing organic cotton is totally different. There are no chemicals used to grow organic cotton. The fields are fertilized naturally and the weeds are removed with hoes, tractors or by hand. Pests are controlled by the use of specific pest eating insects. Organic cotton crops have earned the label of organic by using soil that has been free of pesticides for three consecutive years. Organic cotton farming will use chili, garlic, tree tea oil and other natural substances in their farming process.

Another great benefit of organic cotton compared to conventional cotton is that organically grown cotton has the ability to "breathe" a lot better. This will allow for moisture to evaporate. Baby clothing or bedding that has been manufactured with conventional cotton fabric will trap moisture next to baby's skin which can cause a rash. Many babies have sensitive skin so providing them with more breathable clothing is a simple and effective way for parents to minimize skin irritation.

Clothing made from organic cotton will last much longer than clothing made from conventional cotton. The fibers of organic cotton are much stronger and thicker than the conventional cotton. Conventional cotton fibers have been weakened by the chemicals and bleaching process.

Organic cotton baby clothes can be found in various baby boutiques across the country. As the popularity of organic clothing increases, organic baby clothes will become easier to find. But if you do not have a baby boutique in your area that sells clothes made from organic cotton, do a search online. You will be able to find a ton of places that sell organic baby clothes.

Most parents want the best for their babies. The clothes we choose are part of that. If you are wanting the best for your baby, consider buying baby clothes made from organic cotton. You'll feel better knowing that you're not only doing the best for your baby but for the environment as well, all by making this one simple change.

As Parents we want the best for our Baby. We want to keep our Babies safe from things that might harm them. This is exactly why more and more Parents are choosing Organic Cotton Baby Clothes.

Organic Baby Clothing has recently become very popular with concerned parents due to the Natural way the Cotton is grown, therefore making it a better choice for our Baby's Clothing needs. Cotton that has been organically grown is not subjected to harsh Chemicals and Pesticides as is Non-Organic Cotton, therefore making it a better choice for your Baby and our Planets Environment.

There is one drawback to choosing Organically Manufactured Baby Clothing, and that one drawback is the higher price! Since the process for growing and manufacturing Organic Cotton Baby Clothing is more expensive, and as Parents we must pay higher prices for the Organic Baby Clothes we buy. However we do get the peace of mind knowing there are no harsh or harmful chemicals in our Baby's Clothing.

Not only is Organic Cotton grown under stringent standards, it is also manufactured under very tight guidelines, in order to be considered Organic in nature. The manufacturing process must not include harmful fabric dyes and or harmful chemicals in the Growing, Processing and Manufacturing of organic clothing.

Parents should be cautious when buying Organic Baby Clothes, and be sure to read the Clothing Labels carefully, because there are Clothing Manufactures that are not totally truthful, or ethical. Some Manufactures will label the clothing as "Organic" when in fact it is NOT fully Organic in Nature. It is advised that Parents should shop for Name Brands that you both know and trust when shopping for Organic Clothing for your Baby.

Buying Organic Clothes is safer for your baby as well as safer for the environment. Just be sure to read the labels and check for wording like, "Organically Grown Cotton" and possibly "Organically Manufactured Cotton", to be assured you are buying Authentic Organic Cotton Baby Clothes for your Baby. Buyer beware, as my Dad always said!

As a Frugal Mom I want my Baby to wear Organic Cotton Baby Clothes; however the price is rather high if you are Shopping at the Local Mall, or Independent Baby Stores. Since my Baby is actually allergic to some of the fabric dies used in Non-Organic Cotton Baby Clothing I had to begin buying ONLY Organically Grown and Manufactured Baby Clothes for her.

I first went Online and researched the topic of “Organic Baby Clothes” and found the prices Online to be less than in the Brick and Mortar Baby Stores in Town. However, one day in my research I found a link on Google to Ebay and it was about Organic Baby Clothing, so I clicked the link and was pleasantly surprised with what I found.

In searching further on Ebay, I found I could save even more money buying Organic Cotton Baby Clothes on Auction, and sometimes I even get Free Shipping from some Ebay Sellers Online. As a Work at Home Mom on a tight budget I welcome any opportunity to save money on things I buy on a regular basis such as Baby Items.

So, needless to say I spend a fair amount of time searching for all types of Baby related items on auction at Ebay. I have saved lots of money and found tons of great deals on Organic Cotton Baby Clothes, and other Baby Items since I found Ebay.

When it comes to saving money, and saving time, I like the idea of shopping at home and not having to worry about finding a parking place, fighting traffic, or standing in line at the cash register. Plus, I also save money on gas by shopping online. I guess that is why I am called The Frugal Mom!

Cotton is a globally important fibre, providing returns to many small farmers in developing countries. Fairtrade cotton has just been released in the UK providing job security and greater incomes to farmers. But the downfall is that most cotton is produced in a way that causes great damage to the environment as is it is one of the most chemical intensive crops in the world. High productivity comes at great environmental and health costs.

So serious are the negative impacts of chemical-intensive agricultural production, that momentum for change has grown considerably in recent years. The trend toward more environmentally friendly production methods is mainly due to enlightened companies under pressure of increased environmental regulation and competition, and informed consumers calling for greater social and environmental accountability.

In many African countries with lax environmental controls, farmers can apply nearly one-third of a pound of chemical fertilizers and pesticides for every pound of cotton harvested. Some of these chemicals are classified as the most toxic around and the negative impacts can be severe. The simple act of growing and harvesting the amount of cotton fibre needed to make a T-shirt takes an enormous toll on the earths air, water, and soil, and has significant impacts on the health of people in cotton growing areas. These carcinogenic chemicals can leave residues on the skin, and it is now argued that these are associated with allergies. Organic cotton is therefore kinder to the skin. For more information visit the Pesticide Action Network site at http://www.pan-uk.org/

Organic cotton begins with living soil. This means the soil has not had any chemicals used in it for at least three years and it has been enriched with compost and other organic matter. These replace synthetic fertilizers that are harmful to the health.

Organic cotton production has increased 5-fold in the past 4 years. The UK is among the worlds fastest growing markets. Each year, thanks to organic cotton, more cotton farmers around the world are able to minimise their effect on their health from pesticide exposure.

There are also signs that organic cotton is moving out of its niche market into the mainstream with increased interest on the part of supermarkets and large companies. Marks and Spencers and the Top Shop have recently launched organic and fairtrade clothing ranges to meet the growing market that started with organic food and then moving into non food areas such as cotton and paints.

For those of you that are parents, Clean Slate Clothing has introduced accountability to the clothes which children wear everyday by selling the worlds first Fairtrade and Organic School Uniforms.
Ethical companies also need to move beyond selling organic cotton clothes to ensuring that they are using environmentally friendly dyes and recycled materials with the minimum of packaging and literature.

Find ethical retailers selling organic and fair trade clothes here

The organic cotton industry has make huge strides over the last few years, and many retailers are beginning to see the value of buying materials made with organic cotton, such as clothing, bedding and accessories. Still, most consumers do not know the difference between "organic" cotton and "regular" cotton. Therefore, they cannot justify paying more for one or the other. This article explains the difference in hopes that more people will opt for the organic alternative to mass-produced cotton.

What is Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton, like most "organic" crops, is grown using methods and materials that have a low environmental impact. The growing of this type of cotton usually focuses on two things: eco-sustainability and fair trade.

Eco Sustainability

The idea of sustainability is that the practices used in producing a product replenish natural materials at equal to or greater than the rate of depletion, and reduce the use of toxic fertilizers and pesticides to the point of being equal to or less than the rate that such materials bio-degrade or become harmless to the environment. In other words, the idea is that we can go on with such practices without "making things worse" than they already are.

Fair Trade

It is common practice in a capitalistic, powerful society like the United States for major corporations to use their buying power to reduce the price of goods, which they may or may not pass on to the consumer. The problem with this practice is that often these goods are already being obtained at the expense of third-world workers, who are providing them at an extremely low profit margin in the first place. It forces them to make a choice between working for near-slave-wages, or not working at all. Fair Trade Cotton and other fair trade products ensure that workers, regardless of which country they live in, are compensated at a fair, living wage.

Because organic farming practices and fair trade purchasing decisions are more costly, a higher price tag usually ends up being passed on to the consumer. We, as consumers, must then ask ourselves whether it is worth the cost to buy organic cotton over "normal" cotton.

Cost is More Than Just Monetary

The cost of traditionally produced cotton may take a few cents less out of our pockets, but it costs us dearly in terms of the destruction of our environment and the exploitation of our brothers and sisters in the "third world". Whether you believe in karma, a just God or just the idea that your actions play a role in your happiness, there is also a high spiritual/mental payout to buying organically produced, fair trade cotton.

Find out More:

http://www.sustainablecotton.org/
http://www.ota.com/organic/mt/organic_cotton.html
http://community.gaiam.com/gaiam/p/id/CAT00004
http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/products_cotton.htm
http://www.gaiam.com/retail/2/Bedroom
http://www.organicconsumers.org/

Cotton is a versatile crop and is used for a vast variety of products and almost any type of fabric can be made from it. It is also very comfortable and durable. All these uses make it one of the most popular and widely traded commodities on earth.

Cotton is a globally important fibre, providing returns to many small farmers in developing countries.Fairtrade cotton has just been released in the UK providing job security and greater incomes to farmers. But the downfall is that most cotton is produced in a way that causes great damage to the environment as is it is one of the most chemical intensive crops in the world. High productivity comes at great environmental and health costs.

So serious are the negative impacts of chemical-intensive agricultural production, that momentum for change has grown considerably in recent years. The trend toward more environmentally friendly production methods is mainly due to enlightened companies under pressure of increased environmental regulation and competition, and informed consumers calling for greater social and environmental accountability.

In many African countries with lax environmental controls, farmers can apply nearly one-third of a pound of chemical fertilizers and pesticides for every pound of cotton harvested. Some of these chemicals are classified as the most toxic around and the negative impacts can be severe. The simple act of growing and harvesting the amount of cotton fibre needed to make a T-shirt takes an enormous toll on the earths air, water, and soil, and has significant impacts on the health of people in cotton growing areas. These carcinogenic chemicals can leave residues on the skin, and it is now argued that these are associated with allergies. Organic cotton is therefore kinder to the skin. For more information visit the Pesticide Action Network site at http://www.pan-uk.org/.

Organic cotton begins with living soil. This means the soil has not had any chemicals used in it for at least three years and it has been enriched with compost and other organic matter. These replace synthetic fertilizers that are harmful to the health.

Organic cotton production has increased 5-fold in the past 4 years. The UK is among the worlds fastest growing markets. Each year, thanks to organic cotton, more cotton farmers around the world are able to minimise their effect on their health from pesticide exposure.

There are also signs that organic cotton is moving out of its niche market into the mainstream with increased interest on the part of supermarkets and large companies. Marks and Spencers and the Top Shop have recently launched organic and fairtrade clothing ranges to meet the growing market that started with organic food and then moving into non food areas such as cotton and paints.

For those of you that are parents, Clean Slate Clothing has introduced accountability to the clothes which children wear everyday by selling the worlds first Fairtrade and Organic School Uniforms.

Ethical companies also need to move beyond selling organic cotton clothes to ensuring that they are using environmentally friendly dyes and recycled materials with the minimum of packaging and literature.

If you are doing your best to raise a healthy baby then good for you! Babies are life's most precious gift and should be taken care of accordingly. That is why you should research the advantages of organic cotton for your baby's clothes instead of the conventional cotton. Read on to discover the major differences between conventional cotton and organic cotton.

Conventional cotton is the one of the most pesticide laden crops in the world. Only coffee surpasses cotton in the amount of pesticides used. Conventional cotton farming involves the use of very heavy spraying of pesticides and herbicides, but it doesn't stop there. Once the cotton is turned into fabric, chlorine bleach is used to give it a clean white color. Then formaldehyde is applied as a finisher. Here is a scary statistic: Approximately 1/3 of a pound of chemicals is used to grow and produce just one t-shirt. So as you can see, conventional cotton is harmful to the environment and to the people that wear the clothing made from conventional cotton.

The process of growing organic cotton is totally different. There are no chemicals used to grow organic cotton. The fields are fertilized naturally and the weeds are removed with hoes, tractors or by hand. Pests are controlled by the use of specific pest eating insects. Organic cotton crops have earned the label of organic by using soil that has been free of pesticides for three consecutive years. Organic cotton farming will use chili, garlic, tree tea oil and other natural substances in their farming process.

Another great benefit of organic cotton compared to conventional cotton is that organically grown cotton has the ability to "breathe" a lot better. This will allow for moisture to evaporate. Baby clothing or bedding that has been manufactured with conventional cotton fabric will trap moisture next to baby's skin which can cause a rash. Many babies have sensitive skin so providing them with more breathable clothing is a simple and effective way for parents to minimize skin irritation.

Clothing made from organic cotton will last much longer than clothing made from conventional cotton. The fibers of organic cotton are much stronger and thicker than the conventional cotton. Conventional cotton fibers have been weakened by the chemicals and bleaching process.

Organic cotton baby clothes can be found in various baby boutiques across the country. As the popularity of organic clothing increases, organic baby clothes will become easier to find. But if you do not have a baby boutique in your area that sells clothes made from organic cotton, do a search online. You will be able to find a ton of places that sell organic baby clothes.

Most parents want the best for their babies. The clothes we choose are part of that. If you are wanting the best for your baby, consider buying baby clothes made from organic cotton. You'll feel better knowing that you're not only doing the best for your baby but for the environment as well, all by making this one simple change.

As Parents we want the best for our Baby. We want to keep our Babies safe from things that might harm them. This is exactly why more and more Parents are choosing Organic Cotton Baby Clothes.

Organic Baby Clothing has recently become very popular with concerned parents due to the Natural way the Cotton is grown, therefore making it a better choice for our Baby's Clothing needs. Cotton that has been organically grown is not subjected to harsh Chemicals and Pesticides as is Non-Organic Cotton, therefore making it a better choice for your Baby and our Planets Environment.

There is one drawback to choosing Organically Manufactured Baby Clothing, and that one drawback is the higher price! Since the process for growing and manufacturing Organic Cotton Baby Clothing is more expensive, and as Parents we must pay higher prices for the Organic Baby Clothes we buy. However we do get the peace of mind knowing there are no harsh or harmful chemicals in our Baby's Clothing.

Not only is Organic Cotton grown under stringent standards, it is also manufactured under very tight guidelines, in order to be considered Organic in nature. The manufacturing process must not include harmful fabric dyes and or harmful chemicals in the Growing, Processing and Manufacturing of organic clothing.

Parents should be cautious when buying Organic Baby Clothes, and be sure to read the Clothing Labels carefully, because there are Clothing Manufactures that are not totally truthful, or ethical. Some Manufactures will label the clothing as "Organic" when in fact it is NOT fully Organic in Nature. It is advised that Parents should shop for Name Brands that you both know and trust when shopping for Organic Clothing for your Baby.

Buying Organic Clothes is safer for your baby as well as safer for the environment. Just be sure to read the labels and check for wording like, "Organically Grown Cotton" and possibly "Organically Manufactured Cotton", to be assured you are buying Authentic Organic Cotton Baby Clothes for your Baby. Buyer beware, as my Dad always said!

As a Frugal Mom I want my Baby to wear Organic Cotton Baby Clothes; however the price is rather high if you are Shopping at the Local Mall, or Independent Baby Stores. Since my Baby is actually allergic to some of the fabric dies used in Non-Organic Cotton Baby Clothing I had to begin buying ONLY Organically Grown and Manufactured Baby Clothes for her.

I first went Online and researched the topic of "Organic Baby Clothes" and found the prices Online to be less than in the Brick and Mortar Baby Stores in Town. However, one day in my research I found a link on Google to Ebay and it was about Organic Baby Clothing, so I clicked the link and was pleasantly surprised with what I found.

In searching further on Ebay, I found I could save even more money buying Organic Cotton Baby Clothes on Auction, and sometimes I even get Free Shipping from some Ebay Sellers Online. As a Work at Home Mom on a tight budget I welcome any opportunity to save money on things I buy on a regular basis such as Baby Items.

So, needless to say I spend a fair amount of time searching for all types of Baby related items on auction at Ebay. I have saved lots of money and found tons of great deals on Organic Cotton Baby Clothes, and other Baby Items since I found Ebay.

When it comes to saving money, and saving time, I like the idea of shopping at home and not having to worry about finding a parking place, fighting traffic, or standing in line at the cash register. Plus, I also save money on gas by shopping online. I guess that is why I am called The Frugal Mom!