From an environmental standpoint, choosing organic clothing vs conventional clothing is a no brainer. Much of our clothing is made from cotton and conventionally grown, cotton takes a huge toll on our land, water and farmers.
Cotton is grown using an incredible amount of toxic chemicals and a large amount of water. The fertilizers and pesticides that are used on cotton contaminate our ground and water systems.
Pyrethroids are a type of insecticide that are used on cotton crops. They are also used in bug spray and in pet flea shampoos.
According to a study done by the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans, pyrethroids enter the water after being sprayed on crops and are “extremely toxic” to our fish and crustaceans.
Farmers that apply pyrethroids to cotton crops often experience “abnormal facial sensations, dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, or loss of appetite” according to one study.
The US Department of Health and Human Services states on its pyrethroid FAQ that “some animal studies have shown reduced fertility in males and females.”
Another study, widely published in the news last year, showed a link between autism and the use of these insecticides.
Clearly, pyrethroids are not healthy for the environment or us, and sadly, they are not the only pesticides used on cotton. They do, however, make a potent argument for buying organic.
Based on this pesticide alone, I would rather spend a little more and buy organic cotton clothing than risk contaminating our environment with this toxic chemical!
