By: Ananya Sharma
Clothing is an essential requirement for human beings, but what happens when this need becomes an insatiable desire for more? While our needs can be fulfilled, greed can never be satiated. We often feel the need to buy new clothes for every occasion, and even when there is no special event. Although new clothes can bring us joy and pleasure, we rarely consider the true cost of this gratification.
Allow me to enlighten you on the actual price paid by the world for our clothes.
A single cotton t shirt costs 2,700 litres of fresh water which is equivalent to meeting one person’s drinking needs for 2.5 years.
The cost of producing a new pair of jeans is equivalent to driving 60 miles in terms of global warming impact.
One sheep can emit 80 times more warming potential than a kilogram of CO2 over 20 years.
In a world filled with noise and chaos, there lies a silent yet significant movement that’s changing the way we dress, live, and breathe. It’s the organic clothing revolution, a movement that’s all about embracing the goodness of nature and saying no to harmful chemicals and toxins. From the fields where the cotton and hemp are grown to the factories where the fabric is woven, every step of the way is a celebration of eco-friendliness, sustainability, and conscious living. Imagine slipping into a soft, breathable t-shirt that’s as kind to your skin as it is to the environment. Imagine knowing that the clothes you wear not only look good but also do good, helping to reduce water consumption, pesticide usage, and carbon footprint. This is the power of organic clothing, a powerful tool for change that’s redefining fashion, health, and well-being, one garment at a time.
Organic fabric is made from fibres grown without harmful pesticides or chemicals. From seed to cloth, every step is done with care to ensure high quality. Choosing organic supports sustainable farming and the planet’s health. Enjoy the luxurious softness of organic fabric, knowing it was made with respect for the earth.
Organic clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton, jute, silk, kapok, hemp, wool, bamboo, flax, and ramie have gained popularity in recent years due to the increasing awareness of sustainable fashion and concern for the environment. Organic clothing offers several advantages over traditional materials such as synthetic fibres and conventional cotton. They are biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and offer durability, longevity, and aesthetic appeal. India is the leading producer of organic cotton, and the industry must continue to grow to meet the increasing demand for sustainable fashion. Additionally, new natural fibres such as banana fabric and aloe fibre offer unique benefits such as being completely organic, biodegradable, and having excellent breathability and moisture management. The popularity of organic clothing is expected to continue to rise, as more consumers prioritize sustainable fashion and environmentally conscious products.
Organic fabrics and eco-friendly manufacturing can have a positive impact on the environment and human health. Organic fibres like cotton and hemp use fewer pesticides and chemicals, reducing our carbon footprint. Fast fashion harms the environment, using vast amounts of water and contributing to high pesticide usage. Organic textiles protect soils, limit harmful emissions, and safeguard the fundamental rights of plant workers. While there is no scientific proof of direct health benefits from organic clothing, it indirectly benefits human health by reducing toxic emissions and using eco-friendly procedures.
In addition to their environmental benefits, sustainable materials like organic cotton and bamboo can also have a positive impact on social and economic issues. Organic cotton farming can provide a livelihood for small-scale farmers, and fair trade practices can ensure that workers are paid fair wages and have safe working conditions. Similarly, bamboo can be harvested and processed by small-scale producers, creating employment opportunities and supporting local economies.
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is a significant sub-component of the Soil Health Management (SHM) scheme under the National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). The primary objective of this scheme is to promote organic farming using a combination of traditional wisdom and modern science to create models of excellence. Through this approach, the scheme aims to establish sustainability, long-term soil fertility buildup, resource conservation, and provide safe and healthy food without the use of agro-chemicals. The PM MITRA Parks initiative is an excellent opportunity to create an integrated textile value chain, starting from spinning, weaving, processing/dyeing, printing, to garment manufacturing, all in one location. This scheme offers a straightforward way to produce organic textiles, and it is an excellent initiative that will help promote sustainable practices in the textile industry.
The fashion industry is witnessing a growing interest in sustainable and ethical fashion, which has led to the emergence of several brands specializing in organic textiles. These companies, such as Patagonia, tentree, Pact, MATE the Label, For Days, Avocado, Reformation, and Thought, offer a wide range of eco-friendly clothing options that prioritize sustainable methods to reduce environmental impact and promote healthier living. They use organic cotton and bamboo while also implementing fair trade practices. In addition to these brands, renowned designers like Stella McCartney and Eileen Fisher have taken the lead in promoting sustainable fashion by incorporating sustainable materials into their collections and advocating for sustainability in the industry. With sustainability becoming a critical focus in the fashion industry, consumers can now make informed decisions and opt for brands that prioritize sustainability.
Organic cotton has emerged as a highly sought-after fibre in the textile industry due to its eco-friendly and sustainable nature. The market for organic cotton has been growing rapidly, with the global market size reaching USD 37 billion in 2018, indicating a significant potential for further growth. However, despite the increasing demand for organic cotton, its production accounts for only 1.1% of the world’s cotton production, highlighting the need for increased production to meet consumer demand. The global market for organic textiles is also growing rapidly, with an estimated value of USD 6730.9 Million in 2022. The market is expected to continue to grow at a remarkable CAGR of 40% between 2022 and 2032, reaching a value of USD 893.81 Million by the end of the forecast period. This growth trend reflects the increasing awareness among consumers about sustainable and eco-friendly textiles, and the textile industry’s response to this demand by incorporating organic cotton into their products.
Despite the advantages of sustainable materials, there are also some disadvantages to consider. For example, organic cotton and bamboo can be more expensive than conventional cotton and synthetic materials, making them less accessible to some consumers. Additionally, the processing and manufacturing of these materials can still have environmental impacts, although they are generally lower than those associated with conventional materials.
As we continue to witness the catastrophic consequences of climate change, the fashion industry has a responsibility to take action towards sustainability. Organic clothing made from natural fibers like hemp, linen, and recycled materials not only reduce the carbon footprint of the industry but also promote the ethical treatment of workers and the protection of our planet’s ecosystems. By embracing sustainable fashion practices and choosing organic clothing, we can create a world where beauty is not at the expense of our environment, but in harmony with it. Let us make a conscious effort to wear our values and be the change we want to see in the world.