Why Organic Textiles

Three Ways To Build a Better Diaper

 

Cotton

Although it is a natural fiber, clothing made from cotton can be extremely harmful to the environment.

Under conventional farming, cotton:

• Is one of the most chemically intensive field crops
• Accounts for 25% of all insecticides applied globally yet comprises only 2.5% of the world's farmed area
• Requires 1/3 lb of chemicals to grow enough cotton for one T-shirt

 
Many of the chemicals used in conventional cotton production are toxic - and designed to kill. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to pesticides is probably carcinogenic as well as toxic. Some pesticides leave persistent residues in soil, groundwater, and the food chain, exposing the human population to slow and cumulative poisoning.  This risk extends without question to the wildlife and ecosystems that are linked to the cotton fields as well. 

So we suggest you start that diaper with pure, organically grown cotton. Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers and build a biologically diverse agriculture.  We are proud to be members of the Organic Trade Association which is responsible for the certification of organic crops. The OTA diligently verifies that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production.

 

Hemp

Cotton isn't the only natural fiber that you can use to build your diaper. Hemp is rapidly re-emerging as one of the most ecologically sound fibers for clothing. Hemp's popularity is nothing new. According to the Columbia History of the World, the oldest relic of human industry is a piece of hemp fabric dating from around 8,000 B.C.

However, its association with marijuana led to its being banned in the US following the end of World War II. More recently, many countries have acknowledged the distinction between industrial hemp, which contains extremely low concentrations of mind-altering properties, and marijuana. Hemp cultivation is undergoing a revival.

The benefits of hemp are that it:

• is more absorbent, warmer, and longer lasting than cotton, three times stronger than cotton fabric of the same weight
• grows extremely rapidly (reaches a height of 10-12 feet in 100-120 days)
• is naturally resistant to insects, fungus and other pests (doesn't need pesticides)
• doesn't require herbicides
• blocks the sun's UV rays more effectively than other fabrics
• produces 2 to 3 times as much hemp per acre as cotton
• requires only moderate amounts of water relative to cotton
• produces the strongest natural fiber known

Now there’s a super diaper! At first we had to wonder why more is not done to enable American farmers to grow this amazing crop.  We’re now pretty sure it’s just a lack of understanding so we encourage you to investigate industrial hemp and then let your congressmen and senators know what a great product it is.

 

Bamboo

Bamboo is another natural source that is soaring in popularity. It grows more rapidly than trees, can be harvested within four to five years of planting and does not have to be replanted after harvesting. This member of the grass family defines sustainability.  It is the fastest growing plant on the planet and is being used for fabrics, furniture and flooring, just to name a few things other than diapers.

Bamboo is:

• super-soft and super-absorbent
• naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic
• grows without the use of chemicals or pesticides
• easy to dye without using harsh chemicals and to bleach without chlorine
• great for stabilizing areas of erosion because of its complex root system

This fiber makes the ultimate luxury diaper!

Pure Cotton, Hemp, Bamboo and actually some recycled fabrics are the foundation of the textiles products that we support here at Mandala Organics.  We intend to continue to seek out and offer new items that we are confident will support your healthy life style choices.