This famous plant has been dressing us for centuries, but do we know everything about its cultivation and production? Today we will discover why it is so important to switch to the use of organic cotton.
TYPES OF COTTON The cotton plant is a perennial shrub of the Malvaceae family, specifically the Gossypium genus. It is the most important textile fiber produced in the world since it is soft, insulating and very resistant. It is perfect for making clothes and fabrics as it is fresh, light, absorbent and does not get damaged when dyed. The Gossypium genus comprises 50 species of which only 4 are cultivated for commercial purposes, the rest remain wild. There are several types of cotton such as Egyptian, Pima or Peruvian cotton, American Upland Cotton and Sea Island, whose fiber is longer, finer and more resistant and represents 98% of world production. Then there is the Asian, grown in regions such as India and Pakistan. Its fiber is short and much thicker.
WHAT IS ORGANIC COTTON? Organic cotton is one whose plant has been grown ecologically, using sustainable and local resources, without using synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers or genetically modified seeds. The soil is used sustainably through practices such as rotation or animal manures. Pests are controlled with biological methods (indigenous or insects). In addition, cotton is harvested by hand while conventional cotton uses herbicides for machine harvesting.
It is important that organic cotton meets the GOTS Certificate (Global Organic Textile Standard) as it ensures its organic composition and that it meets environmental and decent work requirements throughout the process chain.
WHY USE ORGANIC COTTON?
1. Helps to have a healthy ecosystem Cotton is the crop that uses the most pesticides in the world. By supporting organic farming you are freeing the planet and living beings from harmful toxins, from healthy soil to cleaner air.
2. Protect the water and the oceans Chemicals used in conventional farming pollute groundwater. In addition, during the washing process, many synthetic fibers are released into the untreated water, reaching rivers and seas, threatening marine species and coral reefs.
3. Improves the livelihoods of cotton farmers Monsanto imposed transgenic cotton that caused serious consequences: - decreased soil fertility and loss of crop biodiversity - generated poverty and lowered the price of cotton - debt and dependence on monocultures and monopolies - secondary pests that forced the use of even more pesticides
4. Reduce toxic exposure Both for you and for the cotton growers, conventional cotton contains highly polluting metals and components that damage the skin and health.
5. For chemical-free food Cottonseed oil and the cellulose fibers left over from the process are used in many foods.
6. Better conditions for cotton farmers Conventional industry has violated many human rights. With the cultivation of organic cotton, fairer and more local working conditions are promoted.
7. Increase your peace of mind Taking the step towards ecological consumption is our social and environmental commitment to mother earth and future generations.
At YogaYe we want to help the planet by taking that step, offering yoga mats ecological and our new series of ECO zafus, made with organic cotton and filled with spelled. Every conscious step counts to get closer to a better world and that is why from YogaYe we encourage you to give it a happy practice on ecological materials!
