Cotton is one of the best choices for baby clothing because it is soft, durable and machine washable. However, organic cotton is a wiser choice for anyone who cares about their planet and their children.
Conventional cotton farming is one of the most environmentally destructive agricultural practices – harming the air, water, soil and the health and safety of the farm workers. This harm is mainly due to the huge amounts of pesticides used. Cotton occupies approximately 3% of the world’s farmland, however it used more than 10% of the pesticides and 25% of the world’s insecticides.
Very few, if any, safety measures are taken to protect the farm workers from these toxins. It is estimated that on average 20,000 people in developing countries die each year resulting from the chemicals sprayed on conventional cotton.
In addition to the insecticide and pesticide use, during the clothing production process, numerous toxic chemicals are added at each stage – harsh petroleum scours, softeners, brighteners, heavy metals, flame & soil retardants, ammonia and formaldehyde are just a few of these.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides. Instead, the farmers use other methods such as rotating crops to replenish the soil’s fertility; and they control weeds and pests naturally by using insect predators and traps.
This means that workers have better working conditions, run-off does not compromise water quality and strong, healthy soil is built.
Even though organic cotton can be more expensive when you first buy it, in the longer term it gives you your money’s worth compared to cheaper cotton. As conventionally produced cotton is subjected to abuse in the form of bleaching, scouring and dying to name a few, it can last only 10-20 washes before it starts to break down, whereas organic cotton can last more than 100 washes. Meaning your babies clothes look nicer, longer.
So with our children being exposed to enough pollutants in many aspects of daily life, choosing organic fibres is another step towards natural living for our babies and our environment.
Have a look at Mia Bambina’s fantastic range of playsuits, trousers, tops, dresses and bibs to see how you can kit out your baby in colourful, funky, fashions whilst helping to protect them and the environment, and when the sales are on, protecting your wallet!