Organic Cotton vs Regular Cotton

What Is Organic Cotton?

Many people aren't as knowledgeable about the “organic cotton vs. regular cotton” debate as they'd like. Most people don’t realize that everyday objects in our homes — like bedding, clothing, and towels — started their life in the soil. Regular cotton is grown in a field, and the fluffy fibers are picked and woven into materials. This makes cotton a go-to fiber for mass manufacturing.

The process is slightly more unique with organic cotton. The best way to ensure that the cotton you are purchasing is grown in a sustainable environment is to choose certified organic cotton. Organic cotton is made without toxic substances and polluting pesticides, and it’s also grown in healthier soil. Because of this, textiles made from organic cotton are generally of much better quality.

When looking for organic cotton, ensure that it’s certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or by OEKO-TEX®. Products that have been certified organic by GOTS have at least 95% organic cotton. Products with at least 70% organic cotton can still be GOTS-certified, but they won’t be considered organic.

Products that are OEKO-TEX®-certified don’t mean they’re organic, but it does mean that the products are made without chemicals. When shopping for products with organic cotton, you should look for both certifications.
 

What Is the Difference Between Organic vs. Regular Cotton?

The main difference between organic cotton vs. regular cotton is the manufacturing process. Regular cotton comes from genetically modified seeds. These seeds are modified to resist bugs, but more pesticides are needed when bugs become stronger. Natural seeds are used to produce organic cotton, and pesticides and other harmful chemicals are not used.
 

Is Organic Cotton Bleached?

Another big difference between regular and organic cotton is what happens after it’s grown. You may have noticed that with most crisp white bedding, the cotton used is not organic. That’s because truly organic cotton will have a slightly off-white coloring as it’s pesticide-free, pigment-free, bleach-free, and hypoallergenic. This makes organic cotton the better choice for people with chemical sensitivities or allergies because it’s less likely to cause flare-ups or skin reactions. Even though the color may be less appealing, organic cotton is a healthier choice.
 

Is Organic Cotton Better for the Environment?

The short answer is yes. Compared with the negative impact that conventional cotton has on the environment, organic cotton should always be the preferred choice if you’re conscious of the planet. But why is organic cotton better for the environment?

Labeled as ‘the dirtiest crop on Earth,’ regular cotton contains pesticides and insecticides that contaminate the soil, the air we breathe, and the water we drink. It turns out that 16% of the world’s pesticides are used on cotton alone. These chemicals run off to waterways and contaminate drinking water and harm wildlife. The production of regular cotton also releases massive amounts of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, making it a genuine threat to our planet.

Switching to organic cotton is a simple change that makes a world of difference. As it’s grown without harmful chemicals, it leaves the soil, air, and water free from contamination. It also produces around 46% less CO2 emissions than regular cotton.
 

Benefits of Organic Cotton Bedding

We spend a third of our lives asleep, so we should ensure our bedding is high-quality, natural, and clean. Organic cotton bedding is the perfect solution. Here are some reasons to make the switch.
 

Hypoallergenic and Safe for Sensitive Skin

Regular cotton is made with harsh chemicals that can cause hives, rashes, or other uncomfortable allergy symptoms. Even people without sensitive skin may notice skin irritation when using regular cotton bedding. Because organic cotton doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, it’s hypoallergenic and safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
 

Organic Farming

Organic cotton is made on organic farms. These farms use natural methods to grow cotton — such as compost — instead of fossil fuel-based fertilizers. By working so closely with nature, farmers can build healthy soils which contribute to reducing climate change.

Traditionally, cotton is grown repeatedly on the same soil, corrupting its quality, removing nutrients, and causing unhealthy crops. Because the soil is corrupted, it doesn’t retain moisture as well, and the crops now require more water. Organic cotton is rotated from one soil to another, and the nutrients retain water for longer, requiring less irrigation and leading to healthier plants.
 

Weeding

Chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides are used in the weeding process to kill weeds and bugs. More than 25% of the world’s pesticides are used in cotton farming. These chemicals affect the crops’ quality by taking nutrients and moisture from the soil. They also harm the farmers as many of the insecticides used are carcinogens. Continuous use of these dangerous chemicals leads to serious conditions for farmers and the environment.

When organic cotton is manufactured, all weeding is done by hand and with other natural cultivation processes. No harmful chemicals are used.
 

Saving Water

Did you know it can take up to 2500 liters of water to make one t-shirt from regular cotton? When comparing regular cotton vs. organic cotton for water use, organic cotton doesn’t even come close; it uses 91% less water than regular cotton! Because organic cotton comes from an organic farm, the soil used acts like a sponge, soaking up water during floods and saving water for when rainfall is sparse. Dangerous pesticides and fertilizers are banned in organic farming, so drinking water, lakes, and rivers are kept cleaner, too.
 

Eliminating Synthetics

Synthetic materials are harmful to both people and the environment. Synthetics are manufactured using toxic chemicals that take hundreds of years to decompose, damage ecosystems by releasing microplastics, and expose farmers and consumers to harmful carcinogens. Switching to organic cotton prioritizes health and leads to a better environment. It’s a win-win for humanity and the earth.
 

Make the Switch With Woolroom

Now that you know more about organic cotton vs. cotton, are you ready to make the change? Switching to organic cotton is a big win for the planet and you.

Woolroom makes it easy to go organic. Not only is it better for your health and the environment, but organic cotton is softer, too! It’s the perfect bedding material for a more cozy sleep. We can help you find the perfect organic cotton sheets to drape over your bed or organic cotton crib sheets to help your little one settle down for the night.

Our luxury organic cotton bedding range is made with 100% British Wool and organic cotton fibers, giving you the ultimate sleep. The organic wool used in our bedding is natural, renewable, biodegradable, durable, and grown on farms that put the sheep and the environment first.

Shop the range today for healthier, happier sleep.