Conventional cotton uses approximately 25% of the world’s insecticides and more than 10% of the planet’s pesticides.  It takes about 1/3 of a pound of chemicals to grow enough cotton for a single t-shirt.

Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment.  Organic production reduces the use of chemicals and cotton plants have not been genetically modified.

The air, water, soil and biodiversity of our planet are preserved by organic farming.  Crop rotation and natural phosphates and manure improve soil quality.  Soil fertility is also maintained by planting several crops close together(intercropping) and using mulches. Organic soil tends to hold more water, so less irrigation is needed.  Weeds are removed by hand and by innovative machinery rather than using herbicides.

According to the Organic Exchange, global production of organic cotton grew by 53% from 2005/2006 to 2006/2007.  Sales of organic cotton totaled $583 million in 2005 and that number is expected to surpass $2.6 billion in 2009.

The Organic Exchange states that the top 10 organic cotton producing countries in the world are Turkey, India, China, Syria, Peru, Uganda, Tanzania, Israel and the United States.

Organic cotton is used to make clothing, linens and personal products.