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By choosing cotton grown under organic conditions you not only receive the benefits of beauty, comfort and strength but you are helping to minimize harm to people and the planet.

CONVENTIONAL COTTON AND CHEMICALS
Traditionally cotton has been organically grown for over 4000 years. But in the mid 20th century widespread use of chemicals fertilisers and pesticides began to be used on cotton crops.

Spraying conventional cotton fields

Today conventional cotton production uses approximately a quarter of the worlds agricultural insecticide production, which makes it one of the heaviest users of toxic chemicals.
Horrifying fact: did you know that despite its image as the most “natural” and “pure” of fibres, cotton is one of the most pesticide-intensive crops there is. To put it into perspective, the chemicals used to grow cotton are so toxic they eventually render the ground infertile.

WHAT IS ORGANIC COTTON
Organic cotton is raw cotton that is produced by farms where no synthetic chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers have been used for at least 3 years. Organic cotton farmers use beneficial organisms such as parasites and natural enemies for insect management. An example of this is the reproduction of Ladybirds is encouraged as they feed on any aphids which are a pest to organic cotton farmers. The processing and manufacturing of raw organic cotton also uses no toxic chemicals. In conclusion, organic cotton is a clean, sustainable alternative to conventional cotton.

Ladybird and its Larva eating aphids

WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT ORGANIC COTTON
Personal and health benefits of wearing and using organic cotton products are not exposing ourselves to any toxic residues that may appear in conventional cotton products, and because organic cotton fabric is less processed it keeps a high level of durability and softness which provides great comfort that continues after frequent washing. On a more global outlook by supporting organic cotton farms we are helping to promote healthy work environments for cotton farm workers, and we are making a contribution to the protection of the environment we live in.

Fairtrade Certified™ Cotton

Organic cotton clothing which has the Fairtrade label attached is proof that the cotton used for these products assures consumers that the products meet Fairtrade standards.  The aim of Fairtrade certification is to improve the situation of the farmers at the very bottom of supply chains.  To find our more information on Fairtrade Certified™ Cotton visit http://www.fairtrade.org.nz/

           WHY USE PRODUCTS MADE FROM BAMBOO?

Good for you

Bamboo apparel has many health benefits for the person wearing it. As no chemicals are used in the growing and processing of the fabric, it is naturally organic, so it does not irritate sensitive or allergic skin. Garments made from bamboo are exceptionally comfortable to wear as it is very soft and silky fabric which will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. It is ultra absorbent, absorbing water 60% better than cotton and drying 20% quicker. It is hypoallergenic and thermo-regulating, wicking sweat away from the body, which then evaporates leaving the wearer dry and comfortable, and the bonus is the fabric does not retain odours which make it the perfect fibre for clothing.

Antibacterial

Bamboo clothing has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties due to a substance called ‘bamboo-kun’. This property means the fabric stays fresher for longer, and is more healthy and hygienic. Studies by The Japan Textile Inspection Association have shown that even after 50 washes, the fabric still retains its antibacterial properties which resist the bacteria that cause body odour and fabric degradation.

Good for the Earth

Bamboo grows and thrives without fertilizers, pesticides or any chemical assistance and is the most sustainable all-natural plant fibre on earth as it is easy to grow and has a growth rate of up to a meter or more per day. Bamboo clothing and bamboo fabric are completely biodegradable, unlike synthetic textile fibres. Synthetic textile fibres are also made from non-renewable petroleum, and can even emit harmful gasses when incinerated. Almost all polyester/cotton blend fabrics are finished with formaldehyde, a carcinogen, added to make fabrics wrinkle or flame resistant. Our bamboo products have no such chemical applications.

Biodegradable

Bamboo clothing and bamboo fabric are completely biodegradable, unlike synthetic textile fibres. Synthetic textile fibres are also made from non-renewable petroleum, and can even emit harmful gasses when incinerated. Almost all polyester/cotton blend fabrics are finished with formaldehyde, a carcinogen, added to make fabrics wrinkle or flame resistant. Our bamboo products have no such chemical applications

Panda Friendly

The bamboo products we stock are made from a bamboo species not eaten by Pandas