When Organic food was first presented to the public, there were few choices and some of the products simply did not appeal to the taste buds being bland or too "natural." Now the choices are endless and appeal to almost every palette.
The same was true for Organic clothing and bedding. Initially Organic bedding and clothing was a repertoire of boring color schemes and water shades. Presently, thanks to environmentally induced dyes, there is a wide array of colors available to please even the most discerning adult or child.
The reasons manufacturers are enhancing and promoting the organic market are not too difficult to figure: people have become more aware of health issues and they like their products to be as free as possible from pesticides, fertilizers and additives.
But organic clothing? And bedding? Why would you bother to spend more on the organic products you do not even ingest?
Here are some reasons:
1. You avoid contact with chemical surface treatments. You or your children may be spending a third or more of your life in bed, by switching to an organic mattress and organic bedding will immediately reduce your exposure by that amount. Further, most mattresses that are non organic are treated with boric acid as a fire retardant. Boric acid is also used to kill rats--not a good substance for you or your children to be sleeping with.
2. You support ethical and safer working practices. Farmers working on organic farms are exposed to fewer chemicals. Millions of pounds of pesticides are applied to US agricultural corps, lawns and gardens each year. You can help reduce this practice by buying organic.
3. You support organic farming. By choosing organic clothing, you divert your disposable income towards supporting organic agriculture. Organic growing techniques involve crop rotation, which encourages biological diversity, a healthier ecosystem and a healthier work environment.
4. You support the use of natural color and natural dyed fabrics. Natural dyes are generally much less polluting than synthetics. Dyeing fabrics and yarns consume a great deal of energy and produces toxic waste. You can support the use of natural colour and natural dyed fabrics.
5. You support fair trade practices. Certified organic cottons from other countries are produced to industry standards for labor and free trade. You can support moral and ethical trade practices. Organic clothing and bedding are certified sweat shop free.
6. You reduce the allergens present in the environment. Certified organic cotton is farmed without the use of pesticides, genetically modified seed or synthetic fertilizers and materials. You can help reduce the allergens present in the environment.
7. You save on toxic waste. Organic fabrics can be composted with safely, without contributing to toxins in the soil. You can save on toxic waste and aid provide for better health of our planet.
8. You support global biodiversity. Organic farming aids biodiversity at every level of the food chain, by using crop rotation, fewer pesticides and fertilizers and by adopting wildlife-friendly habitat management techniques.
9. You save energy. Organic farms tend to use less energy, instead focusing on careful ecological management and natural balances to solve pest problems.
10. You can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. What you wear and use says something about you. You don't need to promote the branded products with a cool slogan printed on it!
Further, if you have children, you are promoting better health and lifestyles for them. Organic clothing and bedding is known to create lesser skin rashes and allergies in children. Traditionally manufactured cotton is weakened by excessive use of chemicals and dyes. Organic cotton is untouched by harmful chemicals and thus provides the child with a soft touch with a longer life, saving you money in doctor bills and replacement costs.
Nest Organics in Asheville, NC has a great online store for all your home organic needs, from mattresses, bedding, furniture, organic dining, organic kitchen ware, organic clothing and more. Check them out for a wide array of organic products that can be ordered from the convenience of your home!
