THE DIRT
The low down on cotton
It is estimated that each conventional cotton t-shirt produced, uses around a third of a pound of pesticides!
- Conventional cotton farming is one of the most environmentally destructive and chemically dependent agricultural practices in the world, with up to 10% of all agricultural chemicals and 25% of insecticides being used by cotton farmers
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has listed 7 of the 15 pesticides used in cotton farming as 'possible', 'likely', 'probable' or 'known' carcinogens in humans.
- According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are roughly 20,000 deaths of people in developing countries from pesticide poisoning each year, many of which are due to cotton farming
Organic Cotton and Hemp to the rescue!
- Not only is organic cotton free of pesticides, insecticides and genetically modified organisms, but it also requires less fossil fuels than conventional crops
- Hemp is the strongest natural fibre in the world, making hemp clothing very durable
- Did you know that fabrics with at least 50% hemp block UV rays more effectively than other fabrics?!
- It also grows well in many different soils and climates, requiring less fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides than most commercial crops
Sweatshop labour - the invisible workforce
- Most people think that sweatshops only occur in developing countries, but research conducted by the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia (TCFUA) suggests otherwise
- About 75% of companies in the Australian clothing sector believed to use 'home-based labour' or 'outworkers' which is the equivalent of sweatshops
- Most of these 'outworkers' are vulnerable women who cannot speak English, and are expected to work 12 hour days for 6-7 days per week (that's 72 - 84hrs/pw!), and only receive a third of the award rate (usually around $3/hr)
- By making sure your t-shirts are sweatshop free, you are ensuring that the people who make them are treated fairly and adequately rewarded for their efforts
G SPOT
CleanLife now has their own funky ethical t-shirts for women, babies, toddlers and men, see below to find out how you can get your hands on one or more!
This months BLOG winners are Angela Chew and Sande T, please contact us so we can send out your CleanLife T-shirts. Australian organic t-shirt company Certton is the focus of this weeks BLOG, click here to read it.
COME CLEAN Wear what you mean with these ethical t-shirt ideas............... For the ultimate 'Green' T-shirt visit the Margaret River HempCo stores in Margaret River or High Street Mall, Fremantle (online shopping @ www.hempco.net.au). Short and long sleeve classic t-shirts plus a range of fashionable and comfortable clothing for the whole family. Hemp and bamboo clothing breathes well, gives excellent UV protection, feels great and is long-lasting. Big range - beautiful colours.
Todae has a range of ultra cool eco-fashion t-shirts for both men and women. The Todae range is 100% certified organic cotton t-shirts, created using renewable energy wind turbines, featuring their own unique designs and styles. To view the Todae range click here.
Certton t-shirts are the best. Made in Australia from 100% certified organic cotton at their sweatshop free factory in Sydney, Certton have built a strong following for their quality t-shirts which come in a fantastic fit, colour range and at great price whether you need one or hundreds.
CleanLife now has our very own range of 100% certified organic cotton, sweatshop free, Australian made T-shirts (made by Certton), for woman, man and child! With cute pictures and lines like 'feed me organic and nobody gets hurt', the whole family will want one (or two!). Check them out and order online by clicking here.
Looking for more information on all things eco-friendly, organic and non-toxic?Visit the CleanLife Directory
References
Diviney, E. and S. Lillywhite. 2007. Brotherhood of St Laurence. Ethical Threads: corporate social responsibility in the Australian garment industry. http://www.nosweatshoplabel.com/_media/Diviney&Lillywhite_ethical_threads.pdf (accessed June 14, 2008).
Dunn, C. 2007. Green Basics: Organic Cotton. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/08/green-basics-organic-cotton.php (accessed June 14, 2008).
Eartheasy.com. n.d. Organic Cotton Clothing. http://www.eartheasy.com/wear_orgcot_clo.htm (accessed June 14, 2008).
North American Industrial Hemp Council. 1997. Hemp Facts. http://naihc.org/hemp_information/hemp_facts.html (accessed June 14, 2008).
Treehugger.com. 2006. How to Green your Wardrobe. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/11/how_to_green_yo_12.php (accessed June 14, 2008).
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