Cotton is single-handedly responsible for
25% of the world’s use of pesticides, as well as 10% of the world’s
insecticides. Farmed with conventional methods, it is not an exaggeration
to say that
cotton is the most toxic crop in the world.
Over
two thirds of the world’s cotton is grown in developing countries and
the former Soviet Union. Valued at over $32 billion every year, global
cotton production should be improving lives. But this "white gold" too
often brings misery.
As it turns out, the heavy
pesticides used to grow cotton are linked with
problems in rivers and oceans, air pollution, the health of animals, as
well as the health of human farmers and workers. In addition,
cotton production, especially in the former Soviet Union, is associated with forced child labour and some of the worst
social and economic conditions on the planet. To find out more please watch the video below.
Organic cotton farming methods are crucial to turn
around the negative effect of cotton production on the globe’s natural
resources. Organic farming accounts for only a little over 1% of cotton
production, but the organic cotton market is growing by about 15% a
year. This trend is expected to continue, but it needs help from consumers too. Not only is organic
cotton better for the environment as well as the health of millions of
farm workers, but it also produces a higher-quality product. Organic
cotton is softer than traditionally-grown cotton, and also less likely
to trigger skin allergies and sensitivities. This is especially
important for infants and toddlers. In fact, organic cotton baby
clothing is one of the fastest growing areas of the organic cotton
movement.
The Environmental Justice Foundation is committed to eradicating child labour and
the deadliest pesticides from cotton production and promoting organic
alternatives. Our EJF designer organic T-shirt range includes original designs from Giles Deacon, Zandra Rhodes, John Rocha, Luella, Katharine Hamnett, Christian Lacroix, Betty Jackson and Caramel. 50% of proceeds from the sale of these T-shirts go to Environmental Justice Foundation's work protecting the environment and defending human rights.
