According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), organic produce, clothing and meat is all produced by farmers who don’t use pesticides, fungicides (is that even a word?), fertilizers, antibiotics, and growth hormones. Organic farming also encourages the use of sustainable (or renewable) resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.

Cotton is the world’s most popular fabric. Soft, light, and breathable, it’s used for almost every type of clothing: socks, shirts, sweaters, jackets, sleepwear, sportswear, and of course underwear. In the poetic words of Cotton Incorporated, it’s “the fabric of our lives.” Cotton farming, however, is harsh on the environment because cotton is a highly pesticide-dependent crop and accounts for ¼ of all pesticide use in the world.

Neither chemist, nor doctor, nor toxicologist, I should refrain from elaborating on those issues surrounding pesticide use. I will, however, mention that five of the top nine pesticides used on cotton in the U.S. (cyanide, dicofol, naled, propargite, and trifluralin) are KNOWN cancer-causing chemicals; all nine are classified by the U.S. EPA as Category I and II— the “most dangerous” of chemical classes.

I haven’t made the switch to wearing or buying organic cotton yet. Personally, I’ve found that the options for women are quite limited. I have, however, noticed that Patagonia carries some really adorable organic cotton options for men. I especially like their button-down shirts. To boot, some of the shirts are sweat wickers—perfect for those shower-free camping trips. Though I don’t go on shower-free camping trips very often, I’m feeling jealous of the men.

If any readers come across some stylish organic options for women please let me know by leaving a comment below. I’d greatly appreciate it.

Posted on July 2nd, 2007 by Olivia Zaleski