What is organic cotton?
It is cotton grown free of toxic chemicals using biologically based and sustainable growing methods (such as crop rotation) rather than with highly synthetic and destructive fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides or pesticides. Certified organic cotton must adhere to a strict set of guidelines based on the scientific method of organic agriculture.
How does organic fiber farming benefit the earth?
It takes one-third of a pound of chemical pesticides to produce one conventional cotton T-shirt. Last year, in the U. S. alone, over 84 million pounds of toxic pesticides were sprayed on conventional cotton fields. Multiply this by the enormous number of cotton products sold, worn and/or used, and it becomes clear that its effect on our earth, water, and air resources has been devastating.
While cotton is justifiably enjoyed by many as a comfortable and versatile fabric, the popularization of organic cotton would greatly benefit not only those who wear it but also our planet, our health and that of future generations. Additionally, 60% of the cotton plant goes into the food stream as animal feed and cottonseed oil. To promote organic feed for free range chickens and beef, and organic cottonseed oil to be used in countless products, we need to grow cotton organically.
Saying that conventional cotton is a natural fiber is the equivalent of saying that a conventional strawberry or apple is natural. Without being pesticide-free, or organic, there is significant "poisoning" to the plant, the soil, the air and the waterways, and ultimately to human life and the environment. Conventional cotton farmers have some of the highest rates of cancer than any other type of farmer. Because of drift in agriculture, the interconnectedness of plants and the need for crop rotation in sustainable farming, it is essential to support both sides of the agricultural equation - food and fiber. Although cotton represents less than 3% of the world's agriculture, it accounts for over 25% of the world's insecticide use and over 10% of the world's pesticides.
Are your fabrics certified organic?
Yes, all of the base fabrics are grown and certified organic. The certifiers vary by location. US fabrics are certified by the Texas Department of Agriculture to the USDA Organic standards and our organic fabrics from India are certified organic by SKAL (now going by Control Union outside of The Netherlands). We are still working on having the printing process certified as well. We hope to be certified to the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standards) by the end of 2007. At the moment all of our printing conforms to the OTA fiber processing standards. To read more about the difference please click here.
Are organic fiber products more expensive?
In a young and growing industry, the cost of organic fiber products will decrease as the demand for organic fiber products increases. Today, costs of organic farming and fiber are at a slight premium; however the longer-term costs to our health and society are not reflected in conventional fiber cost models.
What is Fair Trade?
The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is an association of fair trade wholesalers, retailers, and producers whose members are committed to providing fair wages and good employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide. Fair Trade products range from coffee and clothing to rugs and wall hangings. FTF directly links low-income producers with consumer markets and educates consumers about the importance of purchasing fairly traded products which support living wages and safe and healthy conditions for workers in the developing world. FTF also acts as a clearinghouse for information on fair trade and provides resources and networking opportunities for its members. By adhering to social criteria and environmental principles, Fair Trade Organizations (FTOs) foster a more equitable and sustainable system of production and trade that benefits people and their communities.
Are your products Fair Trade?
All of Look Organics’ products are produced in a socially responsible manner, adhering to Fair Labor practices.
Which countries are sources for the cotton, fabric and finished goods you sell?
Our garments are manufactured in the US . The cotton is grown and woven in India and designed and printed in the U.S.
Are your inks and dyes "natural"?
The dyes and pigments used to create the fabrics are synthetic. They have been screened to prevent hazardous inputs from being used. All input must meet stringent toxicity screening and biodegradability/eliminability standards as well. Water based dyes and pigments are used. To read more about the differences click here. You can also read more of the chemistry details at the GOTS web site.
Will these fabrics be available next season?
As long as a print is selling it should remain in stock. As Look Organics grows, we hope to add our own exclusive prints to the collection.
Do the garments shrink?
All fabrics are pre-washed and dried before being cut. However, since they are 100% cotton, it is reasonable to expect a small amount of shrinkage after the first few washes.
How do you recommend washing?
We recommend that all of our fabrics be washed in cold water using an eco-friendly detergent. For environmental reasons we suggest hanging dry. The fabrics may also be dried in a regular dryer.
