Organic cotton
Are you interested in the materials and textiles used at Kreuzueber? Then you are exactly right here. We would be happy to tell you something about the raw materials and elements from which our textiles are made.
Many of our textiles are made of cotton and not without reason, because the fibers of this natural product ensure a soft and skin-friendly fabric. Clothing made from organic cotton is in no way inferior to clothing made from conventional cotton, which is why we always choose the organic alternative.
Certified organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or mineral fertilizers. The advantages and disadvantages are summarized here.
The problem of conventional cotton
Cotton and organic cotton are both natural products, so far so clear. The difference between the two raw materials lies in the production and further processing. Pesticides and mineral fertilizers are used in the cultivation of conventional cotton. In the further processing of the raw material, many chemicals are used for coloring and finishing. Overall, the water consumption from cultivation to the production process is very high. In the end, a finished cotton shirt no longer has much naturalness or environmental friendliness in it.
The industry behind organic cotton, in contrast to conventional cotton, does not use these chemicals, fertilizers and insecticides. These toxic substances get into rivers, lakes and groundwater and cause lasting damage to people and nature.
The disadvantages:
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pesticides
The use of pesticides (such as glyphosate) and genetic engineering not only has consequences for the environment, but also for people in agriculture and processing. In addition, the toxic chemicals enter our ecosystem through washing the textiles and through wearing them on our skin. For example, ever higher residues of the pesticide glyphosate are being detected in our groundwater.
A quarter of the crop protection products used worldwide are applied to cotton fields. Just 2.4% of the world's agricultural land is used to grow cotton.
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Genetically modified seeds
In addition, genetically modified seeds are used in conventional cotton cultivation. With this type of cultivation (unlike the organic alternative) no new organic cotton seeds are produced from which new plants can grow. It is now difficult to obtain non-genetically modified seeds in many countries. This puts the farmers in the dilemma of accessing these seeds again and becoming dependent on the chemical companies. Seeds and pesticides are often sold together, which means enormous costs. The rising cost of fertilizers and seeds combined with low yields has plunged many farmers into financial crises. If the seeds were reproduced naturally, the costs for farmers would also be reduced.
Contemporary clothing made from organic cotton
The clothes in our shop are made of organic cotton and are vegan and eco. No pesticides or mineral fertilizers are used in the cultivation of organic cotton. The arable land is not exhausted and attention is paid to mixed cultures and crop rotation. Because the use of genetically modified seeds is prohibited in the cultivation of organic cotton.
These measures also reduce water and energy consumption. This is good for the environment and for the health and independence of the farmers.
The advantages
- Environmentally friendly cultivation by avoiding the use of pesticides, insecticides and chemical fertilizers
- Avoiding pollution of water bodies and groundwater
- Health protection of cotton farmers and their fields
- Promoting crop rotation and biodiversity
- Reduced energy and water consumption (e.g. through irrigation with rainwater)
- Organic cotton is a cruelty-free vegan alternative to animal wool, more in our blog article
Cotton is in half of all textiles
The natural fiber cotton is used in processing for almost 50% of our textiles.
This means: a conversion of the methods of cultivation and production to an ecological process would have a striking effect in view of the enormous quantities of cotton.