Organic Cotton Production is Growing!

The world is growing more organic cotton. That's great news and that is one of our most important goals at RECYCLE ME: to increase the production of organic cotton through consumer purchasing power.

The most current statistics show that for 2007-2008 organic cotton growth increased 152 percent. And while this number may reflect better reporting, there can be no doubt it's increasing.

Organic Cotton is grown in 22 countries, including India, Turkey, Syria, China, Tanzania, and the United States. The U.S. produced approximately 2.1 percent of Organic Cotton (OC) grown in 2007. And the U.S. projects a 29 percent increase for the following year. India now produces the most OC, increasing it's production by 292 percent.

Organic cotton uses half the amount of water as conventional cotton, and is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world and uses 25% of the worlds insecticides. This intensive chemical use is not only terrible for the environment but for all the workers involved in production. The World Health Organization estimates that over 20,000 cotton workers die annualy from exposure.

It is important to support your Organic Cotton farmer's, their workers, your environment, and yourself. Look for and ask for Organic Cotton products wherever you shop.