Organic Cotton, Leading a Return to the Simple Life
In the 1961 movie, "The Graduate", a young Dustin Hoffman asks his college professor, upon graduating from college, "What do I do now?" To which the professor replies in a whisper, "plastics". At the same time that the revolution against modest clothing captured the minds of America's youth America began its love affair with synthetics. Now nearly one decade into the 21st century some of the aspects of the simple life are experiencing a comeback.
A leading indicator of this return to simple living is the organic cotton industry. 2006 statistics indicate that sales of organic fibers and linens grew by 26% in America, according to the Organic Trade Association, and in 2007 the harvest of organic cotton rose by 73% over 2006. In 2008 the number of acres of organic cotton planted in America was 9% more than 2007.
The phrase from simpler times, “cotton, the fabric of your life” describes why a review of organic cotton is apropos of simple living. Until the 18th century all cotton was organic and exemplified the simple life. Cotton processing from ground to garment was completed by hand. American ingenuity changed all of that with the invention of the water-powered spinning machine and the cotton gin. The cotton gin, especially, allowed cotton production to increase 50 times over hand processing.
Today most cotton farms use the latest equipment in their production process, however there is a return to simple living on some organic cotton farms as they harvest by hand once again. All organic cotton growers have retreated from the practice of using chemicals to control pests and weeds. Organic cotton farmers use insect predators, traps, or botanical pesticides, that are broken down naturally to control pests and weeds, unmistakable evidence of the simple life.
Many consumers who are embracing simple living have turned to organic cotton as is illustrated by the growth figures in the organic cotton industry listed above. Some consumers say that organic cotton is softer and less irritating to the skin, which is of special interest to those prone to skin problems. Others, who suffer from allergies enjoy the benefits of the hypoallergenic properties of organic cotton. Still others who are sensitive to chemicals benefit from the fact that no chemicals are used in processing organic cotton.
Finally, the aesthetic characteristics of organic cotton appeals to those captivated by simple living because of its symbolism and beauty. Organic cotton symbolizes a simpler time when America was not obsessed with looking like Hollywood starlets; a simpler time when neighborhood and family took precedence over New York and Paris fashion. The natural beauty of organic cotton is flattering to the simple life. Rather than fade the natural brown color of organic cotton darkens slightly for the first few washings. Since organic cotton does not lose its natural wax it has a particular smoothness and weight that enhances the way an organic cotton garment hangs and the way that it radiates sunlight.
Organic cotton is a truly beautiful fabric.
