Cotton has faced competition from numerous natural fibers as a raw material due to the organic movement, but it still holds the edge among both producers and consumers due to its outstanding properties. Skin-friendly, soft, breathable, easy to wash, and extremely durable—few textiles can match this range of properties. That's precisely whyCottonalso in the currently taking placeFashion revolution towards sustainabilityfor our planet, but in organic quality. Specifically, organic cotton signals a conscious commitment to environmental responsibility through its cultivation based on ecological and sustainable agriculture. For example, organic cotton cultivation prevents the depletion of cultivated land. According to KbA certification, synthetic and chemical fertilizers may not be used for at least three years, and the seeds may not be genetically modified. Instead, farmers are required to use certain insect species as natural enemies, thus counteracting potential pests, especially compared to conventional cotton.

Cotton was cultivated on several continents over 6,000 years ago. There are over 50 natural varieties of cotton. Conventional cotton cultivation requires up to 100 grams of chemicals per T-shirt in production. As a result, 77 million workers are poisoned each year and suffer from infertility, miscarriages, and many other illnesses. During heavy rains, large quantities of pesticides often enter rivers, lakes, and the ocean, harming both living creatures and the natural environment.

Organic cotton is based on natural fertilization methods, innovative and natural strategies for weed control, pest control, defoliation, and harvest preparation. Up to 80% of the water used comes from monsoon rains. This protects nature and people from environmentally harmful and toxic substances. This helps avoid negative external costs for society and the environment. In 2018, only 0.7% of global cotton production was organic. Although organic cotton currently accounts for only a small share of total cotton consumption, it will continue to grow strongly in the future.

Organic cotton requires significantly less water than conventionally produced cotton. The reason for this lies in the fundamental principle of natural, environmentally friendly agriculture. Humus is generally a natural plant fertilizer because it safely stores nutrients in the soil. Conventional cotton cultivation on plantations that do not adhere to crop rotation produces much thinner humus layers, to which chemical fertilizers and pesticides must be artificially added. When growing organic cotton, a thick humus layer is a prerequisite for a successful harvest. This allows water to be stored better, which significantly reduces water consumption in organic cotton cultivation. At GREEN SHIRTS, we have paid particular attention to water consumption and have therefore chosen organic cotton from certified farms in India that obtain 90 percent of their water from monsoon rains. This virtually eliminates the need for artificial irrigation, a benefit for both people and nature.