We at BLKglow value substance just as much as style. That’s why we utilize vintage and reclaimed materials when we can. Whenever that’s not possible, we use organic and sustainable materials. Because of course, there’s no point in worrying about your personal style if you’re not going to have a planet to wear stuff on.
But before we began using organic cotton, it was important for us to understand what exactly makes organic so much better than standard cotton. The first and most significant difference that makes organic cotton a more sustainable and ecologically sound option than its standard counterpart is its lack of pesticides and herbicides. Organic cotton focuses on old school pest and weed control methodology such as using natural pest predators and crop rotation rather than its chemical counterparts. Recent estimates state that cotton utilizes as much as 25% of the world’s insecticides and 10% of the world’s pesticides.
Standard cotton crops are also criticized for utilizing chemical fertilizers. The problem with these kinds of fertilizers is that their runoff often seeps into the water table and can taint the water used by everyone in the region. Organic farming methods use natural fertilizers, like compost and animal manure; which recycles the nitrogen already in the soil rather than adding more, which in turn reduces both pollution and emissions.
Besides all this, there is also the argument that standard cotton is one of the thirstiest crops around. In order to produce 1lb of cotton, it can take up to 1,320 gallons of water. While organic cotton takes significantly less water to produce, there are some critics who argue that organic cotton actually takes more water to produce the same amount of usable cotton. This is because organic cotton yields are smaller than those of standard cotton.
With that said, we believe that even if there is some evidence that organic cotton uses more water, the fact that it does not pollute the environment and damage the ecosystem in the process still makes it a stronger and more sustainable alternative to standard cotton.
That’s not even considering the tangible benefits that organic cotton offers. Not only is it softer and more exquisite than standard cotton, but it is a better option for those with skin sensitivities. Organic cotton doesn't have traces of the toxins that are left behind in conventional cotton. That means a gentler alternative for children’s clothing, homewares like bedsheets and towels as well as people with skin conditions like eczema.
With all these benefits, it’s no wonder so many companies are making an effort to introduce organic cotton into their product lines. Save the planet? Check. Higher quality product? Check. Health benefits to customers? Check. That’s why at BLKglow we choose to use organic cotton.