(by 190 people)
Cotton - You love the feel of it against your skin
The scent of it, fresh from the dryer, the rich plush of thick Turkish towels in the bath. And who doesn't feel comforted the moment they crawl between freshly laundered cotton sheets? So what's all the buzz about organic cotton, and why should you care? Find out here. Plus, I've made it easy for you to test organic cotton clothing and items for your home with a generous selection of luxurious products. You'll love the feel of it. So will your family.
Image courtesy Big Grey Mare
Jump off the pesticide treadmill
Only 2.4 percent--less than 3 percent of the world's agricultural land is used to grow cotton. That's not bad. But next time you pull that cotton onesie over your baby's head, think about this.Growers spray 24 percent of the world's insecticides on their cotton fields. Then they add 11 percent of the world's pesticides. Many of these chemicals are known to cause cancer in humans.
When those crop dusters fly overhead, they spray everything in their wake, killing the good insects, spiders and birds that would normally gobble up the pesky cotton-nibblers, and exposing you and your baby, if you're in the neighborhood, to those same chemicals.
Because the natural predators are gone, opportunistic species flourish, further threatening the crop. Farmers apply even more pesticides to kill the new bugs, and the "pesticide treadmill" goes round and round, requiring ever harsher chemicals as the "bad bugs" develop stronger and stronger resistance.
But beautiful organic cotton can be grown in high yield crops too, and farmers all over the world are proving it. Learn how they're doing it on aboutorganiccotton.org
Data from Clothes for a Change
Image courtesy Big Grey Mare
Life cycle of the cotton flower
From bloom to boll
Did you know the cotton flower blooms for only one day? I didn't, until I found Big Grey Mare's Flickr site. Isn't the flower gorgeous?
These images are part of her Cotton Patch set and shown here with gratitude for her skill as well as her permission to use them.
Give her a hand! Better still, go to her Flickr page and tell her what you think.
There are hundreds of acres of cotton fields surrounding our house here in the B...
The hint of magenta indicates that the flower is beginning to die, so that the c...
This flower has turned to a deep magenta, and will now dry up and fall from the ...
After the flower dies and falls from the plant, the cotton boll begins it's grow...
The boll has matured, and now we see the cotton.
Five great things you do when you buy organic cotton
Runoff containing pesticides from cotton fields killed 240,000 fish in Alabama in 1995.
Prevent chronic health problems in Egyptian cotton workers
In the 1990s, fifty percent of Egyptian cotton workers suffered from chronic pesticide poisoning, including neurological and vision disorders.
Prevent health disorders in some of the poorest workers in the world
Chances are that famous-label tee shirt you're wearing was made in Bangladesh where ninety-one percent of Indian men working in cotton eight plus hours/day suffered illnesses related to chromosonal aberrations and cell death.
Save American lives
Each year, more than ten thousand Americans die from cancer associated with pesticides.
The life you save may be your own
A third of a pound of fertilizers and pesticides are used in the growth and production of every cotton t-shirt you pull over your head.
The information in this list came from Clothes for a Change
Eco-Fashion: Runway & Bread Denim
This designer's eco-fashions are worn by Paris Hilton and Charlize Theron, among others
Yummy cotton for her
Which would you like to own--or give to someone you love--all that soft, cottony goodness to snuggle with. Vote for it!
#1
Horny Toad Short Sleeve Dharma Shirt - Women's
The Horny Toad Dharma Short Sleeve shirt's wide lo more...4 points
#3
Of the Earth Cherub Sweater - Women's
Slip into the soft organic cotton Of the Earth Che more...0 points
- Material: 100% Organic cotton
- Pockets: None
- Hood: No
- Zipper: No
- Recommended Use: Casual wear
#4
Volcom Family Ties Organic T-Shirt Short-Sleeve - Women's
Volcom made the Women's Family Ties Organic Short- more...0 points
- Material: Organic cotton
- Pockets: None
- Recommended Use: Casual wear
- Man...
#5
Go Veg! Women's Organic Cotton T-Shirt
Now you can get our popular "Go Veg! Your Ani more...0 points
Cotton togs for him
Mmmm. The scent of clean cotton against his chest ...
#2
Men's Organic Cotton Short Sleeve Tee
5 oz., 100 percent organic ringspun combed cotton more...1 point
#3
Timberland Men Organic Cotton Army Hat c185h
Timberland Army Hat constructed with Organic Cotto more...0 points
#4
prAna Tri Stripe Polo Shirt - Men's
Let your environmentally-conscious lifestyle enter more...0 points
#5
Volcom Appleyard Organic Jean - Men's
Volcom rider. Mark Appleyard collaborated with des more...0 points
5 more ways you make a BIG difference when you buy organic cotton
What's in your cookies & chips? Read the labels: Carcinogenic pesticides and other additives are present in cottonseed oil and other byproducts of conventional cotton production, and our fat cells store them.
Eat healthy, stay strong II
Genetically engineered cotton has all kinds of stuff we've never eaten before: viral promoters, antibiotic-resistant genes, special bacteria.
Reduce premature death and suffering
Pesticide poisoning kills 20-40,000 people a year, says the World Health Organization (WHO). Three million suffer from pesticide-related disease.
Reduce cancer risks among California's ag workers and millions who breathe the air and drink the water
Five of the nine most-used pesticides on California cotton fields are carcinogenic (cyanazine, dicofol, naled, propargite and trifluralin).
Preserve Nature's insect predators--the good bugs
Pesticides and insecticides kill the good bugs--ladybugs, spiders, and parasitic wasps--who gobble up the bad bugs. When the bad bugs flare up again, farmers apply more poisons and the "pesticide treadmill" perpetuates.
The information in this list came from Clothes for a Change
India is a chief supplier of cotton
AND HERE'S WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT ORGANIC COTTON FARMERS
The Conventional Trap
by Altemeier and Somji Illustrates powerfully why the change to organic cotton production is so important to the health of the farming families. It tells the sad story of Anan, a peasant farmer in southern India caught up in the vicious cycle of pesticide-dependent cotton growing. You will see the effects of heavy use of pesticides on cotton, learn how international pesticide companies exploit cotton farmers and observe the tragic consequences of these conventional growing practices on the farmers, their families and their environment. Buy organic cotton from these Indian producers at: http://www.newint.org/shop/
Runtime: 9:21
4429 views
2 Comments:
What's next to your baby's skin? Pesticide residues?
OR WHOLESOME, HEALTHY LUXURIOUS COTTON
Sckoon Organic Cotton Japonesk Baby Cap
No chemicals: Sckoon products are made of certified organic cotton; picked by hand and spun without the use of any chemicals. It is safe and irritant-free for your baby most sensitive and tender skin.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008) 
List Price:
Mini Matey Pirate organic cotton infant shirt, 12-18 months, fire engine red
Made of 100% organically grown cotton AND sweat-shop free! How cool is that? Available in 4 funky colors; expandable neck for easy dressing.
Amazon Price: $20.00 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $20.00
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Sckoon Organic Cotton Preemie Baby Kimono Blue Preemie
This soothingly soft, 100% organic cotton kimono provides plenty of flexibility and comfort. It protects babies' most sensitive skin. The stitches are sown outside to avoid direct contact with babies' skin, lessening chances of irritation. All snaps are nickel free to prevent allergy. Designed for a tiny baby and a preemie baby who weights 4 - 7.5 pounds
Amazon Price: $32.00 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Organic Cotton Long-Sleeve Bodysuits 2-pk. - Pink Trim (6–9 mos.)
Pink/white soft cozy comfort for Baby, snap closure for convenient diaper changes, 100% cotton, machine wash
Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $24.99
Usually ships in 3-4 business days
Adjustable Diaper (Organic Cotton)
Under the Nile's fitted diaper is made with pure organic cotton terry knit with contrasting green trim. Absorbent, soft and a great fit makes this diaper our mom's favorite. Size and Weight NB (0-13 LBS), S (13-22 LBS) M (22-35 LBS), L (35+ LBS)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $15.00
Five soft picks to keep your baby comfy--and safe--night and day
So many organic choices!
Ellaroo Deluxe Mei Tai Baby Carrier - Good n Plenty/Black Organic Cotton Canvas
The Mei Tai carrier is a traditional Asian design more...2 points
Cupcake Organic Baby Blanket
This earth friendly, 100% certified organic cotton more...1 point
Short Sleeve Button Up Shirt
Bright and stylish, this organic cotton button-fro more...1 point
27 x 35 Baby Wool Blanket (Organic Cotton Flannel Back)
Lambswool fleece baby blankets backed with organic more...0 points
Cotton teething toys for your baby
VEGGIES and FRUIT!
Under the Nile Organic Cotton Banana
Organic cotton, fairly traded; machine wash cold, set out to dry, soft on sensitive skin, Safety tested and approved by ASTM F963 Toys Safety Standard.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $5.85 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Organic Egyptian Cotton Veggies and Crate - Fair Trade
Organic Egyptian Cotton and stuffed with 100% organic cotton so no need to worry about baby putting these toys (organic veggies, yum) in their mouths.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $29.00 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $26.95
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Organic Veggie Toy Carrot - Organic Egyptian Cotton, Safe and Non-toxic Toy!
This 100% organic cotton teething toy brings new meaning to the phrase, eat your vegetables. Soft, simple, and healthy, this carrot is both sweet and smart with absolutely no pesticides or chemicals used in the production process, a great first toy for your baby to chew on.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $5.85 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $6.00
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Under the Nile Organic Cotton Tomato
We all know how babies love to put things in their mouth, why not start them off with organic vegetables? Veggie toys are fun and hands-on, encouraging children to develop a positive attitude towards vegetables. Fair Trade allows artisans a fair wage to support their families.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $5.85 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $6.00
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Bean
Green Bean toy is fun and hands-on, encouraging children to develop a positive attitude towards vegetables. Made and stuffed with 100% organic cotton.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $7.00 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $7.00
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Watch your wee darling smile when you play together with these cuddly animals
Under the Nile Organic Cotton Elephant - Blue Dots
So cute! What's not to love in these sweet little elephants, so comforting to teething baby and to mama and papa as well, because they know organic cotton is free of pesticide residues
Amazon Price: $10.45 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $14.00
Natural Friends Rattle Frog
This happy frog with big cottony eyes and mischievous smile is made from cotton (controlled biological cultivation) and filled with lamb's wool
Amazon Price: $26.99 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Sckoon Organic Cotton Happy Lion Plush Doll - Non-toxic, Safe Toy
The perfect first doll for a baby! Sckoon Happy Lion Doll is 100% organic cotton inside and out, and dyed with metal free dyes; making it safe for babies.
Amazon Price: $14.00 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Sckoon Organic Cotton Fat Rabbit Doll & Snuggle Blanket
Perfect gift for a newborn baby, this 100% organic cotton snuggle blanket rolled and hugged by a cute Fat Rabbit is 100% organic cotton inside and out, and dyed with metal-free dyes
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $39.00
Organic Milou Bunny
Lana Natural products are made from 100% organic cotton. Lana controls the process from the cotton fields to the home workers who sew these adorable creatures so that you can have confidence in the quality and the earth-friendly organic certification of these products.
Amazon Price: $53.99 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Snuggle in for a nap or a night with these whimsical dolls
Organic Egyptian Cotton Bright Baby Buddy - Safe, Non-toxic Teething Toy
Waldorf inspired doll has flesh tone and hair sticking out of it's cap. As always, these toys are safe, non-toxic and chemical free. 8 in. Under the Nile products offer you an alternative to conventional apparel. All the cotton is 100% ORGANIC, 100% Egyptian.
Amazon Price: $9.25 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $10.00
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Organic Egyptian Cotton Minimo Doll - Ethnic Pink Stripe
The farm that grows our cotton and makes our apparel focuses on fair trade and provides a worldwide model community for organic agriculture along with a supportive work place. The fact that we use cotton grown in Egypt makes it even more extraordinary because of the extremely soft, gentle and durable features Egyptian cotton is known for. Under the Nile.
Amazon Price: $9.90 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $12.00
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Organic Egyptian Cotton Flannel Sleeping Doll & Teether in Pink
These soft and cuddly dolls will make wonderful friends for your little ones. The natural cotton assures you that absolutely no pesticides or chemicals have been used through the entire production process. These toys are safe, pesticide-free, comfortable and naturally dyed. Fair Trade allows artisans a fair wage to support their families. Safe, organic, non-toxic, cozy, cute and makes a great gift! Machine Washable.
Amazon Price: $10.00 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Get a colorful, printable fact sheet here
ALL THE FACTS ON ORGANIC VS CONVENTIONAL COTTON
Organic Cotton is Different"By choosing organic cotton, you can reap all the benefits of cotton's beauty, comfort and strength while minimizing harm to people and planet."
Print this 8-1/2x11 poster from aboutorganiccotton.org and put it up on your refrigerator, in your classroom, wherever you want a reminder on the benefits of using organic cotton.
More cuddly comfort - for Baby's bath
Organic Frog Wash Cloth
Adorable frog will make bath time fun for babies or toddlers. Soft organic cotton bath mitt doubles as a puppet. Cotton is one of the world's most pesticide intensive crops and cotton farming takes a heavy toll on the environment.
Amazon Price: $8.69 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $10.00
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Duck Washcloth
What a great bath accessory: it cleans and entertains your baby! Made of 100% certified organic cotton terry, this fun and friendly wash mitt will become a bath-time favorite. For ages newborn and up.
Amazon Price: $10.00 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $10.00
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Under the Nile Organic Cotton Cow Washcloth / Hand Puppet
Another fun bath-time accessory of 100% certified organic cotton terry; For ages newborn and up.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $10.00
Tadpoles Organic Cotton Hooded Towel and Mitt - Pink Trim
A natural touch for bath-time, with a super-soft mitt for gentle washing and a cuddly towel for drying off afterwards; Eco-friendly and pesticide-free 100% certified organic cotton; Terrycloth towel is extra-absorbent; Handy mitt design means easier bath-times with a wiggly little one; Machine wash
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $19.99
Usually ships in 3-5 business days
Pick your cotton carefully
DO YOU KNOW THE TRUE COST OF THE COTTON YOU'RE WEARING?
What do you think?
Will you buy organic cotton?
Vote here. After the poll, jump to any of these links for great organic clothing ideas and products for the bed and bath.
Enjoy the luxury of cotton in the bedroom
Enjoy the luxury of cotton in the bath
Yummy cotton for her
Cotton togs for him
Five soft picks to keep your baby comfy and safe night and day
Before you jump, won't you take a moment to vote?
Enjoy the luxury of organic cotton in your home
Choose from a cornucopia of goods and add your own!
Which of these items do you like best? Vote 'em up! Got a better one? Add it!
#3
Nest Pebbles Accent Cushion- Pink
The Pebbles accent cushion from Nest brightens any room with luscious design and eco-friendly materials. Vibrant colors and a playful geometric print are featured on an extra soft, 100% certified organic cotton.2 points
#4
Volcom Chirp Tote - Women's
Load anything from school books to groceries in the 100% organic cotton Volcom Chirp Tote. This bag comes straight out of Volcom's earth-friendly V.Co-logical series. Stash your cell phone, lip balm, and any other smaller items in this organic cotton tote's front pocket while you peruse the supermarket aisles.2 points