Our Fashion, Our Skin, Our Planet, Our Coast
We love organic food to nourish the body,what about organic cotton to clothe the body? We see it everywhere now, natural this, organic that. We are slowly becoming accustomed to eating organic food with consumption increasing at around 20% a year. The reasons for this are easy to see, and taste. It’s good for the health of ourselves and our planet. But how does wearing organic clothing also play a part in sustaining a healthful future?

Organic cotton, grown without chemical fertilisers or pesticides from plants,which are not genetically modified, is better for our planet and our bodies. The Environmental Protection Agency considers seven of the top 15 pesticides used on conventional cotton as “possible,” “likely,” “probable,” or “known” human carcinogens (acephate, dichloropropene, diuron, fluometuron, pendimethalin, tribufos, and trifluralin). (Source: EPA)

We are wearing our clothes on our bodies everyday. The cells of these chemicals take a long time to break down and remain in our clothing for our skin to absorb and breathe (the skin is the largest organ in our body). We don’t want our skin to be breathing carcinogenic chemicals.

The use of conventional cotton has a devastating effect on our planet.Conventional cotton covers 2.5% of the world’s cultivated land yet uses 16% of the world’s insecticides and pesticides,more than any other single major crop. The chemicals used in the production of commercial cotton pollute and affect the air we breathe and surface waters, damaging our waterways, our drinking water, wildlife and reefs.

Organic cotton works with our planet. It is usually rain-fed, not irrigated, so it uses a lot less water. Beneficial insects and trapcrops are used to control pests. Nature’s frost and water inducement prepare plants for harvest, instead of using toxic defoliants. Humans and Nature, working together naturally. We like organic cotton......It is pure, generally softer and lets your skin breathe.

We no longer need to compromise our fashion sense either if we choose to wear organics. Organic, sustainable fashion is no longer just dressed up potato sacks. There are many labels worldwide working hard to create amazing, cuttingedge sustainable fashion. Locally, we have Sinerji at Noosa, on gympie terrace. Sinerji’s fabrics are all organic and the designs are modern, contemporary stylish pieces. Or check out Sweet Fanny Adams at Eumundi markets. Also locally designed, Rachelle’s designs are so chic and adorable. Alterior Motif on Cotton Tree Esplanade also stock many organic labels, such as; Nudie jeans, A l t e r n a t e  a p p a r e l ,Sosume and more.

So, for your skin and your planet, consider organics as your natural choice.
Words by Louise Visser    www.sinerji.com.au