When we started looking at fabric options for our range of tea towels, organic cotton was already high on our list. We were attracted by a fabric grown from a natural plant that avoided most harsh chemical pesticides or fertilisers. We believe that, in so many ways, chemicals can be incredibly useful and have inordinately helped the human race progress at an unbelievable rate. Equally, when chemicals are seemingly used to extreme and where not necessary, they can cause harm.

That’s not to say that organic cotton is without some disadvantages. Among other things, it is said that growing organic cotton is less efficient so more land has to be used (thus impacting on the environment). Although disputed, it has also been reported that growing organic cotton can use more water and if supplies aren’t managed properly then water supplies can diminish.

Even so, there are clear advantages to growing cotton organically. Without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers in the growing process, there are fewer chemicals entering the soil and water which is better for plant and wildlife (and can avoid various issues caused by chemical resistance such as increasingly problematic pests). Various sources (for example the global non-profit organisation Textile Exchange) also cite that growing organic cotton uses less energy and means that there aren’t as many greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere.

The movement towards growing produce organically means that people involved in that process aren’t being exposed to chemicals in their work. Not only that but organic farming often brings with it better working conditions for those involved in the farming and processing of organic cotton. For example, the Global Organic Textile Standard requires that “social criteria” are met by processors and manufacturers, which includes safe and hygienic working conditions and ensuring that working hours are not excessive. Some of these elements are requirements that we would regard as fairly basic but the intention and huge potential for improving the lives of so many people is clear.

If we can help in a tiny way by choosing organic cotton for our tea towels then we will continue to do so.