Organic cotton is known as a sustainable product. But is it as sustainable as we all think? In our search for the right material for our bandanas, we asked ourselves this question.
What is cotton and organic cotton?
Cotton is the raw material for almost 40 percent of all textiles. Cotton fibers come from the seeds of the cotton plant. Unfortunately, the cotton production process is not always clean. Despite its widespread use, it is not an easy plant at all. The cotton plant is very susceptible to diseases and parasites, more than any other agricultural crop. For this reason, farmers use a lot of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. In addition, the cotton plant also needs a lot of water. An average of 10.000 liters of water is needed for 1 kilogram of usable cotton!
No chemical pesticides and fertilizers are used in the organic cotton production process. Also no genetically modified plants are used. In addition, farmers alternate their cultivation with different crops so that the soil is less exhausted.
Water consumption also remains a problem with organic cotton. Often even more water is used for the production of organic cotton. This makes organic cotton less environmentally friendly than you might think.
In addition to organic cotton, there are also other sustainable textiles. Think for example of bamboo, hemp, linen and lyocell.
Certification
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the best-known international quality mark for sustainable textiles. The requirements for this have been established at European level. The conditions of the quality mark are broadly as follows;- only environmentally friendly chemicals are used;
- water and energy are used sparingly;
- water purification takes place in factories;
- fair working conditions (fair wages, safe working conditions, no child labor) and;
- fair trade prices.
In addition, there are many other quality marks that are committed to the sustainable production of textiles or cotton. For example Better Cotton Initiative, EU Ecolabel, Fair For Life en Max Havelaar Fair Trade.
What can you do yourself?
Did you know that only 1% of all cotton production is done organically? As a consumer you can stimulate the production of sustainable materials. Our purchasing behavior has a major influence on the supply.
Awareness is the first step. What am I actually buying? Where is it from? How is it produced? Are there better alternatives? There are dozens of questions you can ask yourself. Let the answers to these questions influence your purchasing behavior in a positive - sustainable - sense.
Does Bandoga use organic cotton?
At Bandoga we strive for a sustainable production process. For this reason we only use GOTS certified cotton. In this way we ensure that no chemical pesticides are used and those involved in the chain have fair working conditions.
We also encourage the use of pre-loved items. Do you have a nice dress that no longer fits? Maybe an old table runner? Check our size chart here and make your own bandana for your beloved four-legged friend. Send an email to info@bandoga.com and we will send you an original Bandoga label. You can use this label for your homemade bandana!