Organic Cotton Clothing

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When shopping around for quality bedding materials, it’s important to be able to separate the marketing fluff from the genuinely useful information. The “thread count” phenomenon is a perfect example. For many years, consumers swore that having a high thread count automatically ensured that a set of sheets would be soft and durable. That belief is misguided at best.

Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch of material, and it fails to factor in the construction of the sheet and the quality of the material used. Fiber quality and yarn size are much stronger indicators. Organic cotton sheets made from long-staple cotton are easily the most durable and softest type of bedding available. Lighter fabrics are made from finer yarn, so keep that in mind when you’re looking at insulation and breathability.

If you’ve spent any time comparison shopping for sheets, you’ve probably been confronted with confusing claims regarding thread count. Don’t be embarrassed – it’s a tricky subject that often involves misleading information and subterfuge.  For many years, conventional knowledge suggested that the quality of sheets was solely determined by thread count. But things became a bit more complicated when bedding manufacturers started twisting threads into two-ply sheets. Suddenly a set of sheets with 200-thread-count softness could be marketed as having a 400 thread count.
 
Today, thread length represents the most reliable way to determine the quality of flat sheets. A long cotton fiber tends to come from better cotton and in turn creates stronger, smoother fabric. Short fibers are prickly and scratchy to the skin. When comparing fabrics, hold them up to the light and judge them based on their level of transparency. The more solid and opaque the fabric, the more likely it is to be soft and more durable.

We all get a little tired of how our bathroom looks, but the truth is, redefining the bathroom is easier than most people think. Start with a fresh coat of paint. Paint is inexpensive and can add a splash of cover or revive the look of the bathroom. Make sure to get some painters tape as well to avoid those ugly splotches and marks on the countertops and bath tile. Next, address the towels. A new set of organic towels to complement the new coat of paint can go a long way. Choose a color that either provides contrast or blends with the paint. Next address the knobs on the cabinets. Some new cabinet pulls and knobs can go a long way towards redefining the look of the bathroom. For people who have a little bit more money on hand, see about addressing the lighting. A new lighting fixture will change the lighting scheme and the aesthetic of the bathroom.

With these steps, just about anyone can have a redefined bathroom with just a couple hundred dollars, or even less for people who are thrifty.

There are several reasons to choose organic fabrics over other fabrics, but overall, organic fabrics are just better. With bedding like sheets and blankets, it’s always best to go organic. Just think about it… who wants to sleep in sheets that are doused in chemicals and harmful dyes that can rub off on the skin? Organic sheets contain all natural dyes and no harmful chemicals are introduced during the harvesting or manufacturing process. Organic fabrics also provide the same warmth and resilience as other fabrics, and in a lot of cases, also look quite similar. Bamboo fabric, which is one of the premier organic fabrics, has amazing breathability due to the makeup of the bamboo fibers. Thus, organic sheets made from bamboo are top notch.

People will be amazed the difference it makes falling asleep and waking up covered in organic sheets. It’s an experience we should all be able to have every night, and there’s no danger of ill effects in the long term!

Though generally cheap due to artificially maintained low petroleum prices, the actual cost of acquiring, transporting refining and manufacturing fabrics is seldom assessed. If you consider the amount of pollution, water and energy it involves, manufacturing synthetics will continue to place a great burden on our well-being and the environment at least until clean energy sources are used for production.

Clothing made of polyester and acrylic may give off toxic vapors, especially when new. They tend to emit static electricity and trap perspiration and also contain chemicals that can be breathed in or absorbed through the skin. While you will certainly feel better wearing natural fabric (such as organic shirts) next to your skin, consider purchasing fair trade products that are also organic.

Organic foods have become more and more popular over the past couple decades. Even though it’s usually significantly more expensive, people still fork out the money. I’ve always assumed that most people do it for the health benefits. But lately there has been a growing market for clothing made from organically grown cotton. Obviously people aren’t buying organic clothing for their health.

So, obviously the implications of organically grown cotton aren’t geared towards the body as much as it is geared towards the Earth. Organically grown cotton essentially refers to the way the cotton is grown and manufactured. Eco-friendly farmers try to find ways to limit the kinds of harmful chemicals that are put into the ground. Once those chemicals mix in with the soil, it effects future vegetation and animal life for years and years to come. The chemicals also find their way down into the water table (our natural fresh water supply deep down under the soil).

It seems like the “going green” revolution has really just started in earnest, but there have been advocates for these eco-friendly products for many years. It’s just now becoming popular because the products are finally user friendly enough and affordable enough for many people to enjoy. In the beginning of this movement, that simply wasn’t the case. And if people are going to have to struggle with products or put a financial strain on themselves, they simply aren’t going to use those products.

One area where there has been particularly drastic improvement is with eco friendly clothing. These used to be so expensive that nobody would be able to realistically afford filling their closets with these more environmentally friendly options. But as the price has steadily fallen, there has been a marked increase in the number of people willing to purchase these products. There has also been a concerted improvement in the styles of clothing available, so this also means more and more people will be interested in purchasing.

As people have become more and more aware of conservation issues, the term “organic” seems to have cropped up exponentially. Nowadays, it applies to everything from our food to our clothing. But what exactly does organic mean? And how can you tell if somebody is actually making good on their promise that a product is entirely organic? In terms of clothing, the organic label can only truly be used when the fibers are natural and there are no chemicals used in the growing process.

Buying truly organic clothing becomes especially important with baby clothing, because the sensitive skin of babies is more likely to react to the chemicals used in mass produced products. Therefore, organic baby clothing is a much desired product. But make sure the producers aren’t just playing on the popularity of “organic.” If you have any doubt about the clothing you’re purchasing, check with the manufacturer. Ask questions about the growing process of the cotton and the dyes used. If the producer is credible, they will provide the answers you need or direct you to who can provide the reassurance that you’re actually buying organic.

It’s the obligation of every parent to instill life lessons into their children. Whatever values your family holds dear, it’s important that those are taught to your young children. After all, if they aren’t provided by you, values are likely to be ascertained from television or other questionable sources. But directly telling your children what to believe is never the smart way to go. This will only serve to alienate and frustrate your children.

Rather, lead by positive example. That is, if you’re passionate about saving the planet, make sure that you dress in organic clothing. Making a point to wear organic t-shirts will teach your children that you care about issues of sustainability and human rights. This allows them to be exposed to these choices and decide if those issues are important to them as well. Remember that values are best gained through personal decisions, so live your life according to your values, and your children will follow if it’s right for them.