© harmony art 2005-2023

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.
© 2018 Harmony Art & Fox-Rich Textiles
* All Harmony Art fabrics are certified or conform to the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS).
For the full text visit global-standard.org.

 Watch a short video about GOTS below