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Organic cotton clothing is clothing made from cotton grown without pesticides or chemical insecticides. It is also made from cotton plants which are free from genetic modification. At Arabella Miller we believe that organic cotton is best for environmental and humanitarian reasons. We also believe it feels and looks great! Organic cotton clothing is perfect for a child's sensitive skin. Read on for reasons why... When cotton is produced, more chemicals are used per unit area than any other crop and this accounts for 16% of the world's pesticides ("Picking Cotton Carefully” Institute of Science in Society, March 2007). These chemicals cause air and water pollution, pollute the land, killing animals and plants, and cause illness amongst farmers and workers. The World Health Organisation estimates that 20,000 deaths occur in developing countries each year from poisoning by agricultural pesticides used on crops, of which many, due to their relative toxicity, can be attributed to cotton. In Benin in West Africa, 24 people died as a result of poisoning from cotton pesticides in 2000 – this included 11 children under the age of 10. (Information from The Soil Association) Growing organic cotton without chemicals means that not only is it safer for the farmers and workers who grow and harvest the crops but the land is not damaged by over use of chemicals and the farming is more sustainable in the long term. Organic farming uses crop rotation and natural fertilisers instead of chemicals and artificial fertilisers, and biological pest control (using one species to eat the species destroying the crop), are used instead of the chemical alternatives. As well as being far more beneficial for the environment, organic cotton is often bought directly from the farmer or a local cooperative. This means that the farmer gets a fairer deal and more income from the crop. Around 150 grams of pesticides and fertiliser are used to grow the cotton for one T-shirt – this is the equivalent of one cup of sugar (Soil Association). By choosing organic cotton t-shirts you are helping to reduce this chemical cocktail on our planet.
In addition to the environmental and health benefits of choosing organic cotton clothing there is also the fact that it feels so much nicer next to your skin. The cotton fibres are longer and you can feel the luxurious quality. Arabella Miller organic cotton clothing and organic cotton kids funky t-shirts are certified organic by the Soil Association and therefore free from harmful chemical and pesticides.
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