Why AWWA choose organic cotton.
Conventional cotton is one of the most polluting textile fibre in the world, because of the high consumption of fresh water, but above all because it consumes more than 25% of the world’s pesticides.
AWWA is committed to reducing the impact we have on our planet, which is why our manufacturers only use GOTS certified organic cotton yarn in the production of our underwear.
So why choose Organic cotton?
Most conventional cotton is grown using genetically modified seeds, which causes environmental issues such as water and soil pollution. Conventional cotton consumes a lot more water than organic cotton. A single Tshirt using conventional cotton needs over 2900 litres of water to be produced! Organic cotton uses around 88% less than this.
To be certified as organic cotton no pesticides or chemicals are used, leaving the soil more fertile for future crops and requiring less water to manage them. Any weeds around the cotton crops are physically removed, and insects handpicked.
Keeping crops free of harmful chemicals is not only good for the environment, but also ensures the health and wellbeing of the workers in the fields. Many lives are saved simply by workers not being exposed to harmful pesticides and chemicals found on non-organic cotton crops.
Other benefits of using organic cotton include the finish of the fabric feeling softer than conventional cotton clothing. Organic cotton has been shown to cause fewer allergies than non-organically grown cotton.
When you choose to purchase products made with organic cotton, you are investing in water conservation, cleaner air, better soil and family livelihoods. The price for organic cotton is therefore sometimes higher. If you choose organic cotton and ask your friends to consider the same, demand increases, the environment changes and the price drops! A win win for everyone.
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria.
GOTS certifies that cotton is grown without GMOs, without chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides), and with traceability from the cotton fields.
It also ensures that reasonable and controlled water management is in place in agricultural areas, where drought may be present.
GOTS certification also guarantees a standard of social working conditions based on the principles of the ILO (International Labour Organisation) and the UN (United Nations).
Click here to shop our Organic Cotton underwear.
