Why Organic?

The most talked about issue at the moment, is the environment.

25% of all globally used pesticides are used on cotton, having obvious side effects. According to the U.S.D.A (United States Department of Agriculture) 50 million pounds of pesticides were used in U.S fields in just one year. Not only does this deplete the soil and water table but has serious effects on the health of the farmers.

According to The WHO ( World Health Organization ) approximately 20 000 deaths occur each year from conventional cotton. No bleaches, chemical finishes or synthetic AZO dyes (Diazotized sulfanilic acid ) that contain every metal or benzidene are used.

As we become more aware, organic cotton is on the up – in 2005 U.S farmers planted 6,577 acres of organic cotton. It is now grown in twelve different countries.

Babies and children can benefit greatly from organic cotton, as it is softer and smells cleaner and is less likely to trigger and irritate allergies. The cost of chemicals to cultivate the cotton crops are extremely expensive which causes much poverty and hardship.

Around 150 grams of pesticides are used to grow the cotton for one T-shirt – the equivalent of one cup of sugar.

When you buy organic products, you know that you will be buying a far superior product and that you are saying ‘I’m prepared to help make the change’.

All fibres on this site are free from harmful chemicals including fire retardants. Therefore, keep away from fire!

A team at Aberdeen University examined 107 samples of American long-grain rice grown in the US 'south central' belt - Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, and 27 from California. They found that the level of inorganic arsenic in the south central rice was three to five times higher than in the rice from California and other parts of the world. Arsenic is found naturally in soil, but the contamination in the south central belt relates to land where cotton was once cultivated. Team leader of the study, Professor Meharg said:
"Cotton production relied heavily on arsenic pesticides. It left residues in the soil which are still there and is being picked up by the rice."
The researchers claim that eating large quantities of the rice on a daily basis could increase the risk of certain cancers.
(The Times pg 15, and Daily Mail 26 March 2007)

Why buy Organic Cotton?

• It reduces skin allergies by the use of NO synthetic chemicals in production at all.
• It is extremely soft to wear without the use of fabric conditioner.
• Buying our products promotes Fair-trade, and helps communities in developing countries.

How do I wash organic cotton? Will it shrink?

Don't worry about shrinkage. Allowances have already been made to give your child plenty of growth room. That being said don't "cook" your garments. Tumble-drying on high heat can cause more than 4% shrinkage. Organic cotton is not treated with shrinkage-reducing chemicals so tumble dry them on a low heat and they will be fine.


For more information on our organic clothing & bed linen please contact The Organic Cotton Shop, Waterford

If you would like to share links please contact us at: info@organiccottonshop.ie

More Information and Services:

Orchard Organics. Fresh organic meat, fruit and veg delivered to your door.


Healing Harvest. Wholefoods and Complementary Remedies

Useful links:

Pesticide Action Network UK

Organic Consumers Association

Soil Association

Calculate Your Carbon Foot-Print !!

Fairtrade Ireland

Ethical Consumer

Eczema Ireland.