Organic agriculture protects the
health of people and the planet by reducing the overall exposure to toxic
chemicals from synthetic pesticides that can end up in the ground, air, water
and food supply, and that are associated with health consequences, from asthma
to cancer. Because organic agriculture doesn't use toxic and persistent
pesticides, choosing organic products is an easy way to help protect you. (OTA,
Organic Trade Association)
Soil is the foundation of the food
chain. The primary focus of organic farming is to use practices that build
healthy soils, and textile fibers also have an organic alternative, even
cotton, which most experts felt could not be grown this way. Of all organic,
natural fibers, organic cotton is one of the most popular. Organic cotton is
grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment.
Fast Facts:
Conventional cotton farming is one of agriculture's most environmentally
destructive activities, taking an enormous toll on the air, water, and soil, as
well as people living around pesticide laden cotton fields.
Cotton uses approximately 25 percent of the world's insecticides and
more than 10 percent of the pesticides (including herbicides, insecticides, and
defoliants.).
In the U.S. in 2000, 84 million pounds of pesticides were sprayed on the
14.4 million acres of conventional cotton grown in the country, ranking cotton
second behind corn in total amount of pesticides sprayed.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruled in 2000 that seven of
the top 15 pesticides used on cotton in the United States as
"possible," "likely," "probable," or "known"
human carcinogens.
Organically grown bamboo can be
harvested and used to create fabrics that are luxuriously soft with a texture
akin to silken cashmere. Bamboo is known to be the fastest growing plant on
earth, making it naturally renewable. It grows to its maximum height in
approximately 3 months and matures in 3-5 years. Bamboo's growth
characteristics enable it to spread rapidly across large areas, and bamboo
cultivation can improve soil quality in degraded and eroded areas.
The hemp plant is one of the most
amazing eco-friendly plants known on the planet. Industrial grade hemp produces
three times more fabric per acre than non-organic cotton, and is a natural for
organic farming techniques. The hemp plant actually replenishes the soil it is
grown in, leaving it richer in essential nutrients than before it was planted.
It also grows extremely fast, so it's an excellent crop in terms of
productivity for the farmer; it’s hemp's wearable comfort and texture that
makes it a natural choice.
Fast Facts:
Hemp is the original choice for organic clothing, with references to its
use in organic clothing and textiles for over 12.000 years.
Presidents Washington and Jefferson both grew hemp, and hemp was grown
by the early American settlers. Ben Franklin owned a mill that made hemp paper.
Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence on hemp paper.
Hemp denim was the chosen fabric for the first pair of Levi's jeans.
Hemp natural fibers are longer, stronger, more absorbent and more
mildew-resistant than cotton. Organic clothing made of at least 50% hemp block
the sun's UV rays more effectively than other fabrics.
Jonäno is passionate about the organic
clothing that they offer you. Jonäno is meticulous in removing the guess work
out of what is good for your family, saving you both time and headaches.
Whether shopping for yourself, your family, or choosing baby gift, they want
you to know that the natural products you are choosing are also items we are
using in their home. Enjoy your shopping experience.
Sources:
OTA's "2006 U.S. Organic Production & Marketing Trends" report.
Allen Woodburn Associates Ltd. /Managing Resources Ltd.
"Cotton: The Crop and its Agrochemicals Market," 1995.
American Crop Protection Association,
"1997 Total U. S. Sales by Crop Protection Product Type and
Market," 1998 ACPA Industry Profile. California Department of Pesticide
Regulation,
"DPR Releases Data on 1999 Pesticide Injuries," 2001. U. S.
Department of Agriculture,
"Agricultural Chemical Usage: 2003 Field Crop Summary." U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency,
"List of Chemicals Evaluated for Carcinogenic Potential,"
2001.
