Why Organic?
Here at lola&me organic babywear we have made a conscious decision to use fabrics that are not only good for you and your baby but also for the environment.
Here are some key facts about organic versus conventional cotton:
- Conventionally-farmed cotton is one of the most chemically-dependent crops, using up to 25 different pesticides and fertilizers, several of which are toxic to humans or are known carcinogens.
- Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. Instead, organic production uses farming techniques that focus on soil and plant health, including crop rotation, companion planning, local plant varietals and beneficial insects.
- Synthetic, nitrogen-based fertilizers used in conventional cotton dramatically increase its environmental footprint. Excess nitrogen escapes into the atmosphere, streams and groundwater, contaminating the water supply and contributing to the highest-impact greenhouse gas.
- Organic cotton uses less energy, releases less greenhouse gas, does not contaminate groundwater, and, due to improved soil quality, uses significantly less water.
- Conventional cotton farming can pose serious health risks to the farmers and farming communities, particularly in areas where proper use guidelines may not be followed. In addition, the finishing process for conventional cottons can involve numerous toxic chemicals, exposing mill workers to health risks as well.
- Conventional cotton products can cause skin irritations and other health effects due to residues of pesticides and chemical agents, particularly formaldehyde, that are part of the finishing process.
- In contrast, GOTS-certified organic cotton is produced using no toxic chemicals throughout the entire production process, ensuring a healthier working environment for farmers and mill workers, and a healthier, higher-quality product for the end user.
- Additionally, the GOTS certification signifies that the product is fair-trade, ensuring that it was produced under safe, healthy and equitable conditions.