The Green Parent

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably already heard about the environmental and health benefits of buying organic food. But how about when it comes to clothing? When you’re not swapping or borrowing clothes, is it worth the extra $$ to buy organic clothing over conventionally produced? As Nate Koach (president of organic apparel company Sub Urban Riot) notes, “People don’t eat t-shirts.” So the benefits of organic clothing may not be as readily apparent. And it can be confusing to determine just what is organic and what is not when it comes to clothing.

Some organic clothing companies use organic fibers, dyes, and finishes, while others use only organic fibers. According to Koach, “Until there’s some regulation, it’s up to consumers to ask questions, learn about the companies they buy [from], and hold them accountable to their promises. “

In other words, know what you’re looking for and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Check out this chart from organic cotton supplier Harmony Art to see why organic cotton is just plain better, for your family and for the planet, from seed to finish. It gives you a good idea about what to look for and what questions to ask when shopping.