shop organic cotton: under the canopy is having a sale

How can I easily understand the terminology and definitions which are commonly used when talking about natural fiber, organic farming, and fair trade? Natural fibers are those which are non-synthetic and grown under natural conditions: cotton, linen, hemp, flax, wool, silk, Tencel and more. Organic fibers are natural and are grown without pesticides and using sustainable agricultural methods, unlike their conventional counterparts. Some fibers, such as hemp and bamboo, are grown organically without the use of toxic chemicals but because of the organic fiber industry's youth, these fibers may not yet be certified organic. Several new fibers are undergoing organic certification review so we will see other certified fibers in the future. The leading certified organic fiber crop today is cotton. How do I clean my organic fiber goods? Almost everything at Under the Canopy is machine washable/dryable, and products are pre-shrunk. Some items may require hand washing and flat drying. We do not recommend dry cleaning. Please follow the care label inside for specific instructions. Chemicals do not wash off of non-organic fibers any more than chemicals wash off of non-organic foods. The pesticides are in the soil and thus, the root of the plant. 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. What is color grown cotton? Color grown cotton contains no dyes but is grown in natural colors such as honey, sage, and mocha. Ancient Indians in South America were known to have used color grown cotton. In the past decade, these color grown cotton fibers have become available for textile manufacturing. What is green cotton? "Green cotton" is conventional. Not organic, but instead, cotton which is un-dyed and untreated. What is soy? Soy fabric is a new and exciting eco-friendly fabric made from a by-product of soybean oil production. It is a sustainable textile fiber made from renewable and biodegradable resources. It is part of an effort to move consumers away from petrochemical textile products and turn waste into useful products. What is bamboo? Bamboo fiber is made of 100% bamboo pulp fiber. The fabric is naturally antibacterial and eco-friendly. It breathes easier and is cooler than cotton in warm weather. It has been said to feel like a cross between cashmere and silk. source UTC's FAQs