Why Organic?

Why Harmony Art Organic Cotton?*

ORGANIC

CONVENTIONAL

Seed Preparation:

Natural untreated GMO free seeds.

Typically treated with fungicides or insecticides. Possible GMOs.

Soil Preparation:

Healthy soil through crop rotation. Retains moisture in soil from increased organic matter.

Synthetic fertilizers, loss of soil due to monocrop culture, intensive irrigation.

Pest control:

Healthy soil creates natural balance. Beneficial insects and trap crops used.

Aerial spraying of insecticides and pesticides. 9 of the most commonly used pesticides are known cancer-causing agents.

Harvesting:

Natural defoliation from freezing temperatures or through the use of water management.

Defoliation induced with toxic chemicals.

Production:

Warp fibers stabilized using double plying or non-toxic cornstarch.

Warp fibers stabilized using toxic waxes.

Whitening:

Safe peroxide is used.

Chlorine bleaching creates toxic bi-products which are released into the environment.

Finishing:

Soft Scour in warm water with soda ash for a PH of 7.5-8.

Hot water, synthetic surfactants, additional chemicals (sometimes formaldehyde).

Dyeing:

Low-impact fiber-reactive or natural dyes with low metal and sulfur content.

High temperature with heavy metals and sulfur content.

Printing:

Low-impact or natural pigments with no heavy metals.

Heavy metals in pigments run off into waterways polluting streams.

Fair Trade:

Social criteria in place to ensure safe, healthy, non-discriminatory, non-abusive environment with living wages.

No social screening. Possible child or forced labor used. Facilities may be unsafe and unhealthy.

Marketing:

Positive story can be told to differentiate you from your competitors.

None. As awareness of organic advantage expands, potential for negative image.

Price:

Initial cost more expensive. Long term advantages - priceless.

Initially cheaper. Long-term impact on environment - devastating.

* All Harmony Art fabrics are certified or conform to the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS).
For the full text visit global-standard.org.