By Melissa B. Scott

Organic fashion is taking the apparel industry by storm

Just two months ago, models sashayed across a Chicago catwalk in something besides designer garments. Instead they donned organic, sustainable fashions – I’m not talking about the frumpy, tie-dyed “organics” of the past. These models were draped in fashions by such companies as Under the Canopy, Nike, Indegenous Designs, and GAIAM – leaders in the organic fashion industry.

In the past few years, the organic clothing industry has surged. As consumers become more aware about what they ingest they’re beginning to question what they are putting on their skin from their skincare to their clothing – and for good reason.

Why all the fuss?

Conventional cotton production damages the Earth. According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), the leading business association representing the organic industry, conventional cotton uses approximately 25% of the world’s insecticides and more than 10% of the world’s pesticides. In fact, in 2000 eighty-four million pounds of pesticides were sprayed on the 14.4 million acres of conventional cotton grown in the U.S. Simply stated, it takes roughly one-third of a pound of chemicals (pesticides and fertilizers) to grow enough cotton for just one t-shirt! These pesticides and insecticides render the soil sterile, completely devoid of beneficial microbes and insects. Furthermore, the damage from these chemicals extends far beyond the farm, contaminating the soil, ground water, and neighboring communities. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), seven of the top fifteen pesticides used on cotton are considered “possible,” “likely,” “probable,” or “known” human carcinogens. Organic farmers, however, rely on more sustainable methods of caring for their crops. Crop rotation, cover crops, organic fertilizers, and beneficial insects are all methods that are employed by organic farmers.

By buying and wearing organic, you are directly supporting these farming efforts. You also have the opportunity to greatly improve your health and make a positive impact on the environment. Although changing your clothing habits may seem small, collectively we can make a difference. In 1998, Nike, one of the largest sports clothing lines in the world, decided to incorporate organic practices. Most of their products contain 3-5% organic fibers and they also offer a 100% organic line. Although 3-5% may seem insignificant, in the scheme of things (and in the volume that Nike is producing) the numbers are quite large. Nike alone uses nearly three-million pounds of organic cotton per year! And other large companies such as Patagonia, Timberland, and Orvis also incorporate organic fibers into their clothing lines; without public support these companies would not be successful. So next time you’re shopping for yoga wear, casual wear, workout clothes, or items for your kids, look around – organic fashion is hot.

Organic shopping

Blue Canoe, (888) 923-1373, www.bluecanoe.com

Cottonfield, (888) 954-1551, www.cottonfieldusa.com

GAIAM, (877) 989-6321, www.gaiam.com

GrassRoots Natural Goods, (800) 226-0924, www.grassrootsnaturalgoods.com

Inner Waves Maui, (866) 573-9283, www.innerwavesmaui.com

Maggie’s Organics, (800) 609-8593, www.organicclothes.com

Natural High Lifestyle, (888) 515-3866, www.naturalhighlifestyle.com

Nature USA, (800) 448-1988, www.natureusa.net

Of the Earth, www.oftheearth.com

Osaj Intimates, (323) 660-4430, www.osaj.com

Patagonia, (800) 638-6464, www.patagonia.com

Prana, (800) 557-7262, www.prana.com

Sage Creek Naturals, (866) 598-1400, www.sagecreeknaturals.com

Under the Canopy, (888) 226-6799, www.underthecanopy.com

Vickerey, (800) 963-1050, www.vickerey.com

Wildlife Works, (415) 332-8081, www.wildlifeworks.com

July/August 2004

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