While the concept of organic is most often associated with food - organic fruits and vegetables - the benefits expand equally to certified organic clothing (and underwear) for producer, wearer and our planet.  Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides or fertilizers while chemical, or conventional, cotton is dependent on both.

According to the USDA, organic farming supports the cycling of on-farm resources, promotes ecological balance, and conserves biodiversity. This includes maintaining or enhancing soil and water quality; conserving wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife; and avoiding use of synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering. 

The KENT Cotton: Organic Pima 

Our pima cotton is GOTS certified (Global Organic Textile Standard), USDA Organic certified and also WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization) certified. Grown in the coastal valleys of Peru, our cotton is also handpicked, reducing the environmental impact further while at the same time improving the quality of the cotton.

The Benefits of Organic Cotton

While organic cotton producing may still be in its infancy - only 1% of all cotton grown worldwide is organic - the positive impacts are evident. A few of the reasons we love organic cotton include:

• Organic cotton is produced in a land free of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and defoliants.
• Organic cotton saves approximately 11% in energy compared to conventional cotton.
• Compared to conventional cotton, there is a 45% reduction in CO2 emissions as a result of growing organic cotton.
• The use of pesticides is prohibited.

 

Non-GMO

Organic standards also do not allow the use of GMOS. And because our organic pima cotton is grown in Peru, the country has a ban for GMO seeds, which reduces the risk of contamination that exists in other cotton producing countries.

The Conventional Cotton Controversy

Compare that to conventional cotton which is one of the most polluting crops in the world, contributing:

• 25% of all the insecticides used in the world (more than any other single major crop)
• 10% of all pesticide used worldwide

These chemicals not only endanger the lives of farmers and their families, but also us when we use cotton products, because most of these toxins are never fully eliminated.

For every kg of organic cotton garments, we can save approximately 3 kilograms in toxic chemicals from entering the environment. 

As a whole, organic cotton has a lower environmental impact than conventional cotton by promoting biodiversity, reducing CO2 emissions and avoiding the use of toxic chemicals.

Bonus: Organic Cotton is Better for our Bodies

What goes on our body is just as important as what goes in our body. Knowing that our skin is our largest organ that absorbs everything we put on it, we’ve chosen to make underwear unlike everyone else. We are ruthlessly dedicated to using only 100% natural and organic materials 100% of the time. While organic cotton blended with spandex, elastane or nylon is the industry norm, we’ve upped our standards to be better for our planet and better for your bum.  We’re on a mission to create radically natural basics made from purely organic, plant-based materials that are gentle on our bodies and Mother Earth.