The Power of Organic Clothing: How Sustainable Clothing Choices Can Make a Difference

As Organics Awareness Month, September is the perfect time to reflect on how your clothing choices affect the planet and your well-being. Explore why non-toxic, sustainable clothing from 100% organic cotton is a smart choice for your skin and the environment.

People are becoming more aware of the environmental toll that conventional clothing takes and their increasing susceptibility to various health risks that synthetic fibers pose. So, it’s unsurprising that more and more people are embracing organic clothing.

If you haven’t started yet, this is your chance to listen to advocates of non-toxic clothing. With September being Organics Awareness Month, it’s time for you to reflect on how your clothing choices can lead to a healthier you and greener planet.

Conventional Fashion’s Impact on the Environment

You’re probably wondering why a link exists between your clothing choices, health, and the environment. This is because there is evidence that the clothing industry is one of the largest global polluters.

The United Nations Environment Programme notes that the industry produces 2-8% of the world’s carbon emissions. On the other hand, the World Bank reports that the same sector guzzles 79 trillion liters (or 93 billion cubic meters) of water each year.

Such consumption is primarily due to fast fashion—inexpensive, mass-produced clothes made from synthetic fibers that replicate the latest fashion trends. These clothes move to stores quickly, while these are still trending, to meet high consumer demands.

Clothes from fast fashion manufacturers contribute dramatically to a cycle of waste, with millions of tons of these ending up in landfills. Worse, the foremost synthetic material used for such clothing, polyester, takes hundreds of years to decompose.

Moreover, toxic chemicals are widely used to produce conventional fabrics. These include pesticides used in cotton farming and harmful dyes and finishes. These chemicals contaminate water supplies and degrade soil quality, further harming ecosystems.

Non-Toxic Clothing Results in Healthier Choices for You and the Planet

Like many people, you probably weren’t aware that what you wear directly impacts your health. Consider some of the chemicals that synthetic fibers contain:

1. Formaldehyde: The textile industry commonly uses formaldehyde for wrinkle resistance and as a preservative. It has been proven that prolonged exposure to this causes skin irritation, respiratory issues, and severe allergic reactions. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) likewise classifies it as a carcinogen, which means it can increase the risk of cancer, particularly in occupational settings.
2. Azo Dyes: The vibrant hues of most textiles are due to azo dyes, but according to research, certain types of these dyes can release carcinogenic amines when they degrade. Azo dyes have been linked to cancer, particularly bladder cancer, and can also cause skin sensitivities and allergic reactions. Moreover, during the textile dyeing process, about 15-50% of azo dyes that do not bind adequately to textiles get discharged into wastewater, potentially contaminating water sources.
3. Heavy Metals: Some dyes and finishes for fabrics usually contain heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and chromium, which are toxic to humans and can accumulate over time, leading to serious health issues. Some known effects are neurological problems, organ damage, and developmental issues in children.

These toxic chemicals directly affect human health, including hormone disruption and reproductive issues, and contribute to environmental pollution. It’s no secret how a deteriorating environment can also have secondary severe health impacts.

After learning how big conventional clothing impacts your health and the planet, you’ll find it easier to switch. Opting for clothes made from non-toxic, organic fabrics is one of the best decisions you could make.

Non-toxic, organic fabrics ensure you’re not exposing your skin to harmful substances. At Cottonique, we use 100% organic cotton grown and processed without toxic chemicals in our clothes. Thus, you’re guaranteed it’s the safest choice for your health and the planet.

The Benefits of Organic Cotton Clothing

Hypoallergenic clothing made from organic cotton can provide immense relief for those suffering from eczema, dermatitis, or multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). Organic cotton clothing can also address other unique health considerations, like fibromyalgia, some autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis (MS), and more.

Aside from the health benefits of organic cotton, it’s also biodegradable. This means it naturally breaks down over time, unlike synthetic fabrics that take years to decompose, if at all, and immensely contribute to the overwhelming waste in landfills.

The International Cotton Advisory Committee’s (ICAC) interactive data dashboard reports that organic cotton farming consumes 91% less water and reduces energy consumption by 62% compared to non-organic methods. This translates into a significantly lower environmental impact, underscoring that organic clothing makes a sustainable choice.

Because organic cotton production requires less water and energy than conventional cotton, you help reduce your carbon footprint when you choose clothing made from organic cotton.

Making Sustainable Clothing Choices

Most people prefer fast fashion for its cheap price, but at what cost? They do so to the detriment of their health and the environment.

You’d best invest in high-quality, durable pieces to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Look for garments made from certified organic materials. You would know this since these garments carry the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) label. Such a label guarantees that the product meets stringent environmental and social criteria in all facets of its production.

You would also start supporting brands prioritizing sustainability, like Cottonique, which is committed to ethical practices. Doing so reduces your environmental impact and encourages more companies to adopt responsible business practices across the clothing industry.

Cottonique’s Commitment

At Cottonique, we believe everyone should have access to safe, non-toxic clothing that feels good and is gentle on the environment. Our clothing is made from GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton, ensuring it’s free from harmful chemicals and safe for those with even the most sensitive skin.

For instance, our Men’s Drawstring Lounge Pants offer ultimate comfort without compromising sustainability. Made from pure, breathable organic cotton, they’re perfect for lounging at home while giving your skin a break from synthetic materials.

Another must-have from our Nothing But Cotton Collection is the Women’s Allergy-Free Knitted Turtleneck Long Sleeve. Soft, breathable, hypoallergenic, and free from toxic chemicals, this knitted turtleneck long sleeve is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a stylish, sustainable wardrobe staple.

By choosing organic clothing, you assert your support for your health and the planet’s well-being. Choosing non-toxic, sustainable clothing is a great way to reduce the clothing industry’s environmental impact while ensuring you stay safe from irritating chemicals.

This Organics Awareness Month, take the first step towards a more eco-friendly and healthier wardrobe by exploring Cottonique’s Nothing But Cotton Collection and experience the comfort of genuinely non-toxic clothing.