SUSTAINABILITY

Why Organic cotton?

We at NORDLICHT believe that choosing certified organic cotton
is socially, ethically and ecologically responsible and at the same time has no alternative.
Apart from that, organic cotton is pleasantly soft and feels wonderful on the skin.

SHORTLY

6 reasons

Why we from NORDLICHT we chose organic cotton.

Without alternative.

So what is organic cotton? In short, organic cotton is non-GMO cotton that is grown without toxic pesticides or synthetic fertilizers and harvested under fair working conditions. Their production supports the health of soils, ecosystems and people by relying on natural processes and not on the use of harmful toxins and synthetic fertilizers.

1. Organic cotton reduces our ecological footprint

Conventional cotton requires an incredible 2.700 liters of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt. With 324 liters per T-shirt, organic cotton requires 88% less water than conventional cotton. The effects of water consumption in conventional cotton cultivation can already be observed worldwide.

An example of this is the Aral Sea, once the fourth largest lake in the world, located between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and home to a vibrant fishing community and abundant wildlife. But when the rivers that feed the lake were diverted to help irrigate conventional cotton farms in Eastern Europe, the Aral Sea quickly dried up. It is now called the Aralkum Desert. (Note: The drying out of the Aral Sea is not solely due to cotton cultivation; other causes include wrong political decisions, greed for profit and errors in the construction of an irrigation system, You can find more information here.

Organic cotton not only has lower water consumption, but also a smaller environmental footprint because its cultivation does not require toxic chemicals such as dangerous pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers throughout the growing process. This natural approach does not damage the soil in which the cotton is grown, but rather restores soil fertility. In addition, the air is polluted less because 62% less energy is used. That's good news! In comparison, growing conventional cotton uses 16% of the world's insecticides and 7% of pesticides, endangering the quality of soil and water, as well as the health of biodiversity in the fields and surrounding areas, and ultimately in our waterways and oceans.

1. Organic cotton reduces our ecological footprint

Conventional cotton requires an incredible 2.700 liters of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt. With 324 liters per T-shirt, organic cotton requires 88% less water than conventional cotton. The effects of water consumption in conventional cotton cultivation can already be observed worldwide. An example of this is the Aral Sea, once the fourth largest lake in the world, located between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and home to a vibrant fishing community and abundant wildlife. But when the rivers that feed the lake were diverted to help irrigate conventional cotton farms in Eastern Europe, the Aral Sea quickly dried up. It is now called the Aralkum Desert. (Note: The drying out of the Aral Sea is not solely due to cotton cultivation; other causes include wrong political decisions, greed for profit and errors in the construction of an irrigation system, you can find more information here.

Organic cotton not only has lower water consumption, but also a smaller environmental footprint because its cultivation does not require toxic chemicals such as dangerous pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers throughout the growing process. This natural approach does not damage the soil in which the cotton is grown, but rather restores soil fertility. In addition, the air is polluted less because 62% less energy is used. That's good news! In comparison, growing conventional cotton uses 16% of the world's insecticides and 7% of pesticides, endangering the quality of soil and water, as well as the health of biodiversity in the fields and surrounding areas, and ultimately in our waterways and oceans.

2. Organic cotton makes a real contribution to combating climate change

From 2018 to 2019, around 118,65 million 480-pound bales of cotton were produced worldwide, most of it for the fashion industry. What's notable is that organic cotton makes up less than 1% of this. However, in recent years, the production of organic cotton has steadily increased, largely due to increasing demand. By choosing organic cotton over conventional cotton, each individual has the purchasing power to empower brands, manufacturers and farmers to make sustainable choices. The Soil Association estimates that switching to organic cotton could reduce the impact of cotton production on global warming by 46% compared to non-organic cotton. Organic cotton would also reduce consumption of scarce fresh water by over 90% and energy consumption by over 60%.

3. Organic cotton promotes fair working conditions and better living conditions

Growing organic cotton offers security to farmers and their families. The use of chemical pesticides in conventional cotton not only contaminates the natural water sources of farming communities, but the air in the growing regions is also heavily polluted with pesticide-contaminated dust.

The aforementioned Aral Sea region has the highest rate of throat cancer in the world, accounting for an unprecedented 80% of all throat cancer cases worldwide. In contrast, growing organic cotton offers farmers the opportunity to grow multiple crops, further promoting rural development. This allows farmers to improve their own food supply or create another source of income.

3. Organic cotton promotes fair working conditions and better living conditions

Growing organic cotton offers security to farmers and their families. The use of chemical pesticides in conventional cotton not only contaminates the natural water sources of farming communities, but the air in the growing regions is also heavily polluted with pesticide-contaminated dust.

The aforementioned Aral Sea region has the highest rate of throat cancer in the world, accounting for an unprecedented 80% of all throat cancer cases worldwide. In contrast, growing organic cotton offers farmers the opportunity to grow multiple crops, further promoting rural development. This allows farmers to improve their own food supply or create another source of income.

4. Organic cotton impacts our food system and is good for our skin

It is well known that cottonseed oil is commonly used as livestock feed, but what is less well known is its use in a variety of our own everyday foods, from crackers, chips and margarine to vegetable oil. So if we support the cultivation of organic cotton and the use of organic cotton seeds, it ultimately leads to better food quality for us. Even if we don't absorb cotton fibers directly into our bodies, the byproducts still end up in our food. Organic cotton is also good for our skin, it is hypoallergenic, meaning it does not cause skin irritation for people with skin problems and sensitivities. Even people with asthma can wear them without hesitation. In summary, if we avoid eating fruits and vegetables that have been treated with chemical pesticides, we should also avoid wearing fabrics that have been treated with harmful chemicals and absorbing them through our largest organ, the skin .

5. Organic cotton is a sustainable model for the future

It is expected that by 2025, two-thirds of the world's population will face severe water shortages. It's no surprise when you know that the fast fashion industry uses an average of 10.000 liters of water to produce a single kilogram of cotton. For comparison: The largest conventional cotton producers such as China, the USA and Pakistan are already under severe water stress. Things are different with organic cotton.

Organic cotton is grown using 80% rainwater, which dramatically reduces pressure on local water sources compared to conventional cotton. Additionally, the absence of chemicals when growing organic cotton means the water is significantly cleaner and safer, giving farmers the opportunity to diversify what they grow while providing a safer workplace and home.

5. Organic cotton is a sustainable model for the future

It is expected that by 2025, two-thirds of the world's population will face severe water shortages. It's no surprise when you know that the fast fashion industry uses an average of 10.000 liters of water to produce a single kilogram of cotton. For comparison: The largest conventional cotton producers such as China, the USA and Pakistan are already under severe water stress. Things are different with organic cotton.

Organic cotton is grown using 80% rainwater, which dramatically reduces pressure on local water sources compared to conventional cotton. Additionally, the absence of chemicals when growing organic cotton means the water is significantly cleaner and safer, giving farmers the opportunity to diversify what they grow while providing a safer workplace and home.

6. Organic cotton is an investment in an affordable, sustainable future

Currently, the price of organic cotton is higher than conventional cotton. Factors such as the lower yield per hectare, stricter protocols to avoid contamination with conventional cotton, and the more labor-intensive cultivation and harvesting methods are some of the main reasons for the higher price of organic cotton. However, when we pay a little more for organic cotton products, we are investing in water conservation, cleaner air, better soil and farmers' livelihoods. The good news is that as demand increases, the selection and price range for organic cotton is also increasing. As already mentioned, it is the purchasing power of each individual that motivates companies to invest in sustainable alternatives.

So those are six points about the benefits of organic cotton that we have with us NORDLICHT motivate us to continue our path as a fair, sustainable label.