Cotton represents 47% of all fibers used
the progression of harmony art...
What about cotton? The natural fiber, right? wrong. Cotton is the most heavily sprayed crop in the world. EPA considers 7 of the top 15 pesticides sprayed on cotton to be possible, probable or known human carcinogens.
25% of all insecticides are sprayed on conventional cotton.
Aldicarb - 1 million kilos applied in US in 2003 16 states have contaminated ground water due to cotton cultivation.
In india 50% of all insecticides are sprayed on cotton. 99% of all cotton farmers live in developing countries.
2,300 Indian cotton farmers have committed suicide in the last 6 years.
cotton lint!!!!!!!!!! cotton seeds
Is cotton a food? Cotton seeds Cattle feed
Organic agriculture uses less energy, reduces water pollution by 75%, avoids toxic, cancer causing chemicals, increases health both locally and globally. Organic agriculture combats global warming by taking CO2 out of the atmosphere rather than adding to it. - Rodale Institute
At lease 8,000 chemicals are used to turn raw materials into textiles. - William McDonough and Dr. Michael Braungart
Post Harvest: Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) www.global-standard.org/ The aim of the standard is to define requirements to ensure organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labeling in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer.
Why Organic Cotton? Organic Conventional Seed Preparation: Soil Preparation: Weed control: Harvesting: Production: Whitening: Finishing: Natural untreated GMO free seeds. Healthy soil through crop rotation. Retains moisture in soil from increased organic matter. Healthy soil creates natural balance. Beneficial insects and trap crops used. Natural defoliation from freezing temperatures or through the use of water management. Warp fibers stabilized using double plying or non-toxic cornstarch. Safe peroxide is used. Soft Scour in warm water with soda ash for a PH of 7.5-8. Typically treated with fungicides or insecticides. Possible GMOs. Synthetic fertilizers, loss of soil due to monocrop culture, intensive irrigation. Aerial spraying of insecticides and pesticides. 9 of the most commonly used pesticides are known cancer-causing agents. Defoliation induced with toxic chemicals. Warp fibers stabilized using toxic waxes. Chlorine bleaching creates toxic bi-products which are released into the environment. Hot water, synthetic surfactants, additional chemicals (sometimes formaldehyde). Softening: Natural soybean softening. Petroleum-based softening. Dyeing: Printing: Marketing: Price: Low-impact fiber-reactive or natural dyes with low metal and sulfur content. Low-impact or natural pigments with no heavy metals. Positive story can be told to differentiate you from your competitors. Initial cost more expensive. Long term advantages priceless. High temperature with heavy metals and sulfur content. Heavy metals in pigments run off into waterways polluting streams. None. As awareness of organic advantage expands, potential for negative image. Initially cheaper. Long- term impact on environment devastating. c 2005 Harmony Art & Fox-Rich Textiles
South Carolina printing plant
Eyes of the World comes to life
Fields of Honey
Sweet Jane
Pink Moon
Stornetta
Vein
Garden
Lichen - it
Distribution Team Organic Cotton Plus www.organiccottonplus.com NearSea Naturals www.nearseanaturals.com PM Organics www.pmorganics.com Ambatalia Fabrics Mill Valley, CA Buy me 10 flowers The Netherlands
Michelle Meyer - creator of Cotton Monkey organic baby bedding
Patemm Photo: Naoki Nitta round changing pads Grace, San Francisco, CA Bella Dogga dog beds Lisa, Florida Enamore women s apparel Jenny, UK Photo: Richard Bridge
eco design source Karen Raymer, Atlanta
The Growing Organic Movement LOHAS Market - $228.9 Billion US goods and services 30% of Adults in US representing 50 million people Organic Cotton sales - $583 million in 2005. 2001 to 2005 organic cotton sales have grown 35% annually. Organic cotton currently makes up less than.1% of all cotton. The signs are everywhere... Fabric: Body: 100% cotton (5% organic) knit jersey. Rib: 98% cotton/ 2% spandex. Imported. 650 McDonalds in the New England are now serving organic Green Mountain Coffee
Where the Gualala River meets the ocean. triple bottom line - cradle to cradle
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead