Organic cotton? The truth?

Organic cotton: What is it and why is it important?

Organic cotton is a type of cotton that is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides and artificial fertilizers. Instead, natural methods are used to protect plants from pests and diseases, such as crop rotation, fertilization with organic fertilizers and pest control with biological methods.

Organic cotton? But what is cotton, if not organic?

Can we believe the stories about natural farming? The questions are there, but we can find the answers.

Of course, all cotton is organic, but when we talk about organic Cotton, then it is a phrase that cannot be taken literally. Perhaps a better translation would be ecological cotton. But "organic" has been caught on and it is clear what we are talking about: it is naturally grown cotton, without pesticides and herbicides, without monocultures, without genetically modified seeds, with less water consumption.

Instead of synthetic fertilizers, biological fertilizers are used, and instead of irrigation systems, only natural precipitation and water resources are used. Too good to be true? Another marketing campaign? As with any such thing! They are examples of good and bad practice. The fact is that there are independent institutions that watch over the use and abuse of the term and its content. And the fact is that there is a lot of information available about all this, and everyone has to figure out the truth that they want and want to believe.

And the shirt buyer? Does he get anything other than the feeling that he is aware of the environmental issues involved in the production of clothes? That he might even have done something for the environment? Definitely. Organic cotton is more pleasant to the touch, more durable and does not cause allergies. At least twice as good a feeling.
If organic cotton is an alternative to conventional cotton production, then its alternative can be –hemp.

Some are already toying with the idea that cotton could be replaced by industrial hemp in the future. The production of this hitherto discriminated plant is very grateful for the environment: it is resistant to drought, can grow under very different conditions, does not depend on irrigation, pesticides and herbicides... In short, the negative impact even in the case of mass production is minimal. At the same time, hemp clothes are also very pleasant to the touch, light, breathable and cool. An excellent choice for the warmer part of the year.

What are the advantages of organic cotton?

Organic cotton has many advantages over non-organic cotton.

• Better quality: Organic cotton is often softer and more durable than non-organic cotton.
• Better for the environment: Organic cotton is grown in a way that is less harmful to the environment. When growing organic cotton, no synthetic pesticides and herbicides are used, which can pollute the soil, water and air.
• Better for health: Organic cotton is often safer for human health. When growing organic cotton, synthetic pesticides and herbicides, which can be toxic to humans, are not used.

How is organic cotton grown?

Producing organic cotton is a demanding process that requires a lot of effort and care. Cotton mills that produce organic cotton must be certified by an independent organization such as the International Organization for Organic Certification (IFOAM). Certification ensures that the cotton is grown in accordance with strict organic farming standards.

Organic cotton - cotton with a conscience

Sustainable development, the use of organic materials and recycled materials, care for the environment and people is already a permanent practice at prAna. Already their first steps in 1992 were drawn in such a way.

prAna started using organic cotton already in 1994. Ever since then, the share of organic cotton in their collections has been increasing.

Organic cotton goes perfectly with the whole prAna story. Their organic cotton uses less water, efficiently utilizes rainwater, removes genetically modified organisms and harmful chemicals from the environment and your closet.

3 areas you can influence if you choose organic cotton for your next purchase

 Country:

• Reduce soil (and water) acidification by 70%.
• Renew life and biodiversity in the soil.

Water:

• Reduce irrigation water consumption by 91%.
• Reduce the “dead zones” created with petroleum-based fertilizers.

People:

• Eliminate GMOs from your cupboard and diet (cottonseed oil!)
• Turn fields and farms into safe places for children to live and play.
• Our children deserve it!

If you decide to buy a T-shirt made of organic cotton you will save 436 liters of water. This is about as much as if you  ;showered for 57 minutes.

Clothing materials

Where can I buy organic cotton?

You can buy organic cotton at many stores, including organic stores, specialty clothing stores, and online stores. When buying organic cotton, it is important to check whether the cotton is certified.

Organic cotton is an excellent choice for people who want to choose products that are of good quality, safe for the environment and health. If you are looking for organic cotton, it is also available in our store.