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As the awareness for global warming spreads, many people are now trying to live a ‘greener’ lifestyle . Many people are now opting to eat more organic foods and try to make use of renewable energy sources. However, there are other things we can do to save the environment other than eating organic food Unknown to most people, even the way we choose to dress can leave a huge impact on the environment.

Clothing that is made from materials that are raised or grown without the use of chemicals in the form of pesticides – herbicides or other chemicals is known as organic clothing Its main material, cotton, is grown completely naturally in farms the same way cotton has been grown for hundreds of years before the advent of chemicals like pesticides began.

Though organic cotton has less environmental impact than conventional cotton, it costs more to produce.

Side-effects of conventional production that are avoided in organic growing methods include:

• High levels of agrochemicals are used in the production of non-organic, conventional cotton.Conventional cotton accounts for nearly 25% of the insecticides and 10% of the pesticides used in the world, though is it grown on only 3% of the total cultivated area. Conventional cotton is ranked as the fourth most heavily-fertilized crop because of this excessive usage of chemicals.

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• The chemicals used in the processing of cotton pollute the air and surface waters. Eco-friendly farmers try to find different ways to lessen the amount of harmful chemicals they put into the ground, as these chemicals mix into the soil.This will eventually affect vegetation and animal life through many years to come. These chemicals may also seep into natural fresh water deep underground and contaminate it. As many other farmers begin to realize this, instead of using synthetic fertilizers which messes up the soil’s PH balance, many are now turning to natural composting. Pesticides can throw off the food chain and affect larger animals, so organic farmers introduce beneficial insects and predators, as well as setting up insect traps to have a specific area for insect control.
• Residual chemicals may irritate the skinSince the production of organic clothing involves no chemicals, it causes fewer irritants, making it the perfect textile for infants’ delicate skin and people who are prone to allergies. It is believed to reduce respiratory problems and even gives off a pleasant smell.

Organic cotton clothing is much more expensive than non-organic cotton clothing but the price is definitely worth it, and it features heavily in the world of ethical fashion. These type of clothing wear better and are much durable than conventional cotton and is often more breathable than synthetic materials.

Organic cotton has unique properties that set it apart from synthetic cottons found on most major retailers. The colour brown, for instance, darkens slightly during the first three washings. Since organic cotton is not stripped of its natural wax by chemicals, most weaves have a unique smoothness and weight which makes the fabric particularly flattering. Organic cotton can be dyed using natural dyes as well. Aside from being eco-friendly and beneficial to health, organic clothing is a beautiful and stylish material.

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