IS ORGANIC COTTON BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
KEEPER Denim jeans are made with denim containing organic cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). To obtain this certification, the cotton must meet specific social and environmental criteria as well as comply with toxic chemicals tests.
Organic cotton has many positive environmental and social impacts. See below for a more detailed look at the difference between conventional cotton vs organic cotton.
NO CHEMICALS
Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic synthetic chemicals, so it doesn’t damage the soil. This enables farmers to grow more than just cotton on their farm, which supplements both their food and source of income.
LESS WATER
Organic cotton uses 88% less water than conventional cotton. Conventional cotton is repeatedly gown on the same area of soil and overtime, depleting the natural nutrients within the soil. This reduces its’ ability to retain water, so the crop requires more water to grow. In comparison, when growing organic cotton, a technique called crop rotation is used. This is when several different crops are grown in the same area of soil, so the natural nutrients remain in the soil and it retains more water.
LESS GRENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Growing organic cotton produces approx. 94% less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional cotton, making is better for the planet.
BETTER SOCIAL CONDITIONS
Organic cotton farms are safer for both the farmers and their families, as they are not exposed to toxic chemicals on the farm or through their food and water supply.
SAFER FOR OUR SKIN
Our skin is the largest organ of the human body so we need to be conscious of what it comes in contact with it and protect it. When we wear clothing that contains chemicals, they can be absorbed through our skin which can have an impact on our health and general well-being over time. By choosing organic, we help to reduce this exposure.
FAIRER TREATMENT OF WORKERS
Often when it comes to conventional cotton, the farmers are treated poorly and don’t receive a living wage. When organic cotton is certified by GOTS, a requirement of the cotton factory is that it be regularly inspected to ensure it has safe working conditions and the cotton farmers are paid a fair wage.
BETTER QUALITY
Organic cotton is often much softer to the touch compared to conventional cotton. This is because conventional cotton is machine picked to keep up with the high demand and supply, which can lead to cotton fibres being damaged. In comparison, organic cotton is handpicked, ensuring each fibre of cotton remains long, intact and pure, resulting in a softer feel.
At KEEPER Denim we are dedicated to having a transparent supply chain and have consciously chosen the suppliers that we work with to ensure we minimise our impact on the environment and the people who make our jeans. We have sourced denim with the highest quality, sustainable, cruelty-free fibres including organic cotton and recycled materials, that respect our planet, so our jeans will last for many years to come.