Organic items can range from apparel, to food, to innovative cooking products. As these concepts and items are still new to so many consumers, I feel its more important than ever to share why it’s so practical, ethical and increasingly easier to consume organic products over conventional ones.

According to the OTA (Organic Trade Association) “Organic refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. It includes a system of production, processing, distribution and sales that assures consumers that the products maintain the organic integrity that begins on the farm.”
Everyones reasons for buying organic may vary personally, but here is a quick list below of my favorite reasons.

No Crazy Chemicals

Organic farms are not permitted to use toxic chemicals, fertilizers, or harsh pesticides so they are filled with only the crops themselves and the natural wildlife that co-habitats with them.  These guidelines also help to ensure that those nasty chemicals don’t end up in contact with your skin as many crops end up woven into clothing. Growing crops in a natural environment also keeps the farmland healthy, ensuring naturally fertile soil and waterways that stay free from pollution.

Pesticides Are Pretty Evil

Unfortunately the conventional textile industry has become one of the most polluting industries in the world. This is why more and more consumers and apparel producers are demanding sustainable and organic fabrics. Statistically, more than a quarter of the world’s insecticides are used for growing conventional cotton and kill thousands of innocent animals, plants, animals and insects each year. It also can pollute our soil and waters. Pesticides also contain known carcinogens (agents that have been proven to cause cancer) and can harm farmers who are in contact with them daily.

Pesticides are Expensive

Not only are pesticides quite harmful and toxic, they are also expensive to use. On top of this, money from our taxes actually pays for the removal of these harmful chemicals from our water supplies. Sadly, the EPA has had to step in on more than one occasion where pesticide run-off has killed hundreds of thousands of fish in our waterways. If its killing our fish….why are we ok with it all over our foods and cotton crops? Remember, if its something you are eating and its not labeled as certified organic, its probably covered in these pesticides.

No GMO’s

A GMO is a “genetically modified organism” and is man-made in a laboratory. Organic farming does not allow genetically modified crops because it’s just creepy what we can end up with!  It also creates absolute environmental havoc. And the kicker- no one really knows the long term affects.

Ethical Farming

One reason why I truly love supporting organic farming is that organic farmers are following their morals and ethics and not necessarily their pocketbooks.  It takes a lot more time and finances to be certified organic because it’s not the majority way. It also takes years (up to 11 to be exact!) to get all the pesticides out of soil.  Most farmers can’t afford to wait this long and lose their income in the process. Also, organic farms are strictly inspected by international organizations and have to follow extremely specific guidelines. Organic crops can also yield smaller harvests because without pesticides the crops are subjected to consumption by wildlife. Basically, the right thing is not always the easiest—BUT it will be so much easier when everyone is doing it and it would cost us all less as well!

Article by Beth Doane

Beth Doane is a fashion designer and consultant focusing on eco-conscious product development and marketing. She founded and designed the internationally acclaimed Rain Tee collection and Andira International.

As an editor for the crafting and DIY website www.FaveCrafts.com, we have been pleased to observe and participate in a resurgence of interest in knitting and crochet. The materials for knitting and crochet are generally inexpensive, and people can create items for personal use or as thrifty gifts. Knitting and crochet can also be therapeutic in these uncertain economic times. Studies have shown that the repetitive motions of knitting and crochet activate the same areas of the brain as meditation or yoga, which can help treat pain and depression and strengthen the immune system.

Alongside this renewal of interest in knitting and crochet, people are more environmentally aware and want to make sure that they are making eco-friendly choices when purchasing yarn. People are more aware of the problems of traditionally grown cotton, which relies on more insecticides and pesticides than any other single crop. These hazardous chemicals harm workers in developing countries, contaminate ground and surface water, and kill beneficial insects, micro-organisms and wildlife.

Here is our guide to help those find the right materials for eco-friendly crochet or knitting:

Organic Cotton

Using no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, the production of organic cotton relies on natural processes such as enhancing soil quality to increase yield and disease resistance. Organic cotton yarn is quite readily available. Large yarn manufacturers such as Lion Brand even have an organic line.

Organic Wool

Many people who think they are allergic to wool are actually allergic to the chemicals used in traditional wool production. Try organic wool, which is not washed in chemicals and comes from sheep which are fed organic food and not injected with growth hormones. Support independent spinners in your area or check out Vermont Organic Fiber Co.

Hemp

My personal favorite, hemp yarn is produced in Canada where it is legal to produce hemp. Hemp is a sustainable crop which naturally needs no herbicides or pesticides and actually controls the erosion of topsoil. In addition to yarn, hemp can be used for insulation and biodegradable plastic. Hemp yarn is very strong and softens with every wash. Check out Lanaknits for great hemp yarn and hemp blends and PickNatural for a variety of great yarns using hemp.

Bamboo

Bamboo is growing in popularity for its silk-like feel. Luckily, bamboo is a sustainable plant and the yarn, if not chemically treated, is completely biodegradable. Check out Rowan Bamboo Soft Yarn or Classic Elite Bam Boo.

Linen

The flax plant used to make linen is very resilient and requires little fertilizer.  Check out Louet’s Euroflax yarn for the best example. Linen is also blended with other organic materials with more bounce.

Soy Silk

Soy silk yarn is a completely recycled material as a byproduct of the production of tofu. Since luxurious soy silk is rather expensive, it is normally blended with other materials to create more affordable yarn. Oasis yarn available at South West Trading Company is 100% Soy Silk.

Recycled Sari

Recycled sari yarn is produced from the remnants of the sari-manufacturing process in India and hand-spun by Nepalese women. These are colorful, unique skeins of yarn, and help to support independent fair trade. Check out Darn Good Yarn and non-silk Near Sea Naturals.

Due to our partnerships with yarn manufacturers and independent designers, you can find hundreds of free knitting and crochet patterns at FaveCrafts. We add new patterns each and every day.

The other day Jez said to me “Do you know how much water it takes to make a pair of jeans?”…

Actually I didn’t, I hadn’t really given it much thought to be honest. I had thought about the pesticides and fertilisers used for growing the cotton and the conditions for workers in maufacturers’ factories but I hadn’t considered the water. The number that Jez told me was absolutely astonishing – was that right? I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Doing a bit of research online I found that the figures quoted on different websites varied between 2000 and 6000 litres of water for just one pair of jeans. I also read that to stonewash a pair of jeans takes an additional 20 – 750 litres! Just to put this in perspective the UN recommends that people need a minimum of 50 litres of water per day for the most basic needs such as drinking, cooking and sanitation. Millions don’t even have that.

I don’t think I know anyone who hasn’t, at some point, owned at least one pair of jeans. So of course I’m thinking ‘by how many billions are we multiplying this water use to see the REAL figure?’. A gargantuan figure and growing of course.

Water conservation is an issue for every country in the world and with Climate Change this will only get worse. But for two of the main cotton producing countries, China and India and increasingly more countries in Africa, water shortage is a big problem. On top of this water supplies are poisoned by toxins from the cotton growing itself and, later, other chemical processes such as ‘distressing’ the jeans.

Aside from the obvious effects of drought, lack of water has also lead in some areas to conflict over this precious resource. Do we really need to make the problems worse?

So, what’s the solution?

As we all know by now, there are pros and cons in all your eco decision-making but first things first; Stop and think. Our Jeans are the staple of our wardrobe, I know, but consider your buying carefully. Jeans are great because they’re tough and long lasting so why rush this decision? Here are some things to consider:

• Organic cotton still needs a lot of water and so this is one of the times that organic isn’t necessarily the answer – although organic and Fairtrade cotton is definitely better than not!
• Check out where your cotton is grown and how the water is managed there. Some cotton farmers in Australia are not able to access water for the cotton crops until the needs of the local towns and environment have been met first.
• Hemp crops require much less water (as well as being higher yield and more pest resistant than cotton) so how about Hemp Jeans? It’s illegal to grow Hemp in the UK and US though so there may be air miles involved.
• Don’t shy away from pre-loved and recycled jeans. I’m a big fan of vintage and second hand though to some the thought of this is horrifying. But, really, think about the water! Jeeez!

References
Protected Water Fund, Fixing the Planet, The Panelist, Cotton Australia, All Africa, BBC,