When you reach for a cotton item of clothing and you see “Made With GOTS Certified Organic Cotton,” what does that mean, and why is it important?
Today’s traditional cotton is grown in fields with minimal rotation of crops and maximum use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which lead to a higher release of greenhouse gasses and a lack of soil health. However, organic cotton is grown in a way that works with nature by utilizing crop rotation and green manures to improve the soil health and quality of life and health for those using it. Along with these more sustainable practices, organic farmers cannot simply claim their product is organic or label it as “natural” ; they have to take legal routes to certify their cotton.
While most organic farmers go above and beyond the standards, as their goal is to have a safe and clean product, there are a few main rules they must follow. These rules have requirements that pertain to soil health and the prohibition of synthetic fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), but that is only part of what it takes for certification.
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) process for certification is no simple task. Organic farmers everywhere are working hard to certify their cotton, spread the word to others, and risk everything by taking the time and expense to switch from traditional to organic cotton. This is both amazing and important because organic cotton is cleaner and healthier, not only for the earth but also for us and our family members that wear it. At Mukupati, we believe it is especially important to use organic cotton in our first layer of clothing, such as underwear, potty training underwear and pajamas (which we spend a lot of time wearing).
As consumers, we have great power everytime we choose quality and transparency over convenience and price. When you choose to support a sustainable local brand, you are standing up for fair wages in your community, healthy soil, and healthy workers, reducing overproduction and waste ending up in landfills. You can do your part by supporting businesses using organic cotton and slowly pursuing better certifications and transparency like Mukupati; your skin and earth will thank you.
Three Boxers Pima Cotton
Organic Pajamas Brown Dino
Set Training Pants + Top
Shop Organic Underwear, Pajamas, and Potty Trainers with the pictures above!