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Organic cotton has seen a rise in popularity among consumers in recent years, and yet even as demand increases, it is still considered extremely rare, making up less than 1% of global cotton production. Few farmers are up to the task of producing a certified organic product from start to finish; numerous considerations begin with healthy soil and the use of untreated non-GMO seeds to growing crops in the absence of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals. It requires dedication and a lot of work, but with countless environmental and health benefits, not to mention the superior quality of the end product, organic cotton is worth every amount of effort.
Why Is Organic Cotton Better?
The word "organic" has become quite the buzzword; consumers of food, health, hygiene, beauty products, clothing and beyond associate the coveted organic label with high-quality, healthy choices. Be that as it is, not everyone would be able to name the many reasons that make it so—especially when it relates to the clothing and textile industry. So what makes “organic” cotton better? What is the certification process? Let’s have a look at a few key factors…
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the leading textile standard used around the world, offering precise criteria for processing organic fibers. GOTS-certification requires that final products contain a minimum of 70% organic fibers. In addition, social and ecological standards—all the way up the textile supply chain—are enforced through independent certification. With a GOTS-certification, the consumer can rest-assure that their organic fiber purchase has met rigorous ‘green’ standards at every stage of production.
Organic Cotton for the Environment
Unlike conventional cotton—with devastating, long-term effects on the soil and environment—organic cotton crops are regularly alternated with other crops to maintain a healthy soil balance. Crop rotation disrupts disease and insect cycles that cause harm. Although organic cotton typically requires extra water when becoming established, it only takes a couple of growth cycles to develop nutrient-rich soil. Nutrient-rich soil is highly efficient at absorbing and retaining water; after only a short period of time, organic cotton crops use way less water than conventional crops that suffer depleted soil and runoff. Besides that, most organic cotton crops are grown in regions of the world where they can be fed almost entirely by rainwater. Conventional crops are more often grown in dry regions, heavily reliant on external irrigation.
As for conventional crops, most are not rotated with other crops but replanted over and over again. This cycle leads to soil depletion, water runoff, infestation, and dependency on harmful pesticides and chemicals. Those chemicals leach back into the ground and pollute nearby bodies of water, further harming the soil and other natural resources, not to mention, those chemicals are absorbed by the cotton that ends up in the clothes we wear.
In contrast, organic cotton has no harmful impact on water and soil, requires less energy for production, and offers ethical employment and healthy work environments for farmers and their families.
Organic Cotton for Health
The benefits of organic cotton reach far beyond harmonious soil. Our health and well-being are major considerations in the choice to go organic. Since skin is the largest organ of our body, it has continuous exposure to the chemicals used to grow and preserve conventional cotton. Long-term exposure to these chemicals is associated with many health issues. For those people with skin sensitivities—rashes, blisters, eczema, and general irritation is not uncommon. The good news is that there is an alternative. Certified organic cotton is hypoallergenic and much less likely to aggravate conditions triggered by harsh chemicals or cumulative exposure.
Why Buy Organic Cotton Socks
Cultures around the world hold feet in high regard. Many Eastern traditions consider meridian points (or energy pathways) at the base of the feet to have direct links to corresponding organs in the body. Reflexology, acupressure, acupuncture, and aromatherapy are some of the popular therapies that address specific ailments and overall health through treatment of the feet. That said, there is much to consider in relation to how we care for this essential part of our body.
If you have sensitive feet—prone to irritation—or fungus, it is crucial to consider what you put on them. Most feet sweat a lot, especially during exercise. When sweat mixes with the pesticides, synthetic dyes, and in some cases, formaldehyde laced in our socks, those chemicals release and mix up with our skin, causing agitation. No matter what one's level of sensitivity, everyone can benefit from wearing organic cotton socks. The absence of harsh chemicals makes for a much better product that is noticeably more comfortable and has greater longevity. Conventional cotton, packed with additives, tends to become brittle and breaks down at a much faster rate.
You get what you pay for as they say. We find the luxury of wearing organic anything is well worth the few extra dollars you might spend. If you haven’t experienced the difference, investing in a pair of socks is an easy way to give organic cotton a try-on. Your purchase helps the planet, supports sustainable agriculture, and is an investment in your health and comfort. Organic socks truly go the distance with you…literally, they just last longer!
When to wear Organic Cotton Socks?
Socks accompany us year-round, even in warm weather, we pair socks with our exercise or hiking shoes to help us manage sweat and give extra comfort to our hardworking feet. We love pairing non-toxic socks with our high-impact activities because the absence of chemicals reduces irritation and can reduce the amount our feet sweat.In colder months, when our feet feel the chill, organic socks make excellent snuggle buddies and perfect sleeping companions. They are warm and soft, but not too hot, and keep feet from getting wet with sweat! We also love to wear them around the house in place of slippers.
Our Selection of Organic Cotton Socks
Are you ready to experience the joy of organic cotton socks for yourself? Below, find an introduction to the wonderful options we offer at Tabbisocks.Botanical-Dyed Organic Cotton Crew
Botanically dyed with non-toxic pigments, our organic crew socks are the perfect pair for women and men. Lightweight, soft and versatile, these socks are available in three pastel color options and are ideal for exercise or just everyday comfort.
Organic Cotton Slub Crew Socks
The perfect waking or sleeping sock! Organic slub crew socks can be worn on their own or over leggings or tights for a little extra warmth and a touch of playful styling. They are snuggly but have some slack around the ankles making them ideal sleeping socks or as an alternative to house-slippers for those early mornings or cozy nights. Our organic cotton slub crew socks are available in mustard, turquoise, black, and cherry color options.
Replant Pairs
Organic cotton socks are produced in ways that honor the environment. If you want to take environmental advocacy even a step further when purchasing organic socks, consider investing in Replant Pairs. With every Replant Pairs organic socks bought, a tree gets planted on your behalf through an affiliate reforestation program. We have partnered with The National Forests Foundation in California, The States Forest National Wildlife Restoration Fund (Santiam Campaign) in Oregon, and the Nisqually Land Trust in Washington state to support the protection and rehabilitation of vulnerable wilderness. As a bonus, when buying your Replant Pairs socks, you get to choose which program you want to support. Our Replant Pairs currently feature the cutest “tree sock” design in multiple colors. These make an ideal gift for nature and tree lovers alike. Watch for more Replant Pairs design options coming soon.
