Because conventionally grown cotton uses a whopping 25% of the world’s pesticides, even though cotton is only 3% of the world’s crops!

Because seven of the top 15 pesticides used on U.S. cotton crops in 2000 are classified by the EPA as “possible,� “likely,� “probable,� or “known� human carcinogens. And all but one cause birth defects.

Because while it takes one pound of cotton to make one t-shirt, it takes 1/3 pound of pesticides to grow the cotton.

Because we eat cotton! Cottonseed oil is in many processed foods and cotton by-products such as cottonseed and husks are consumed in large quantities by domestic dairy cattle and thus find their way into our bodies on nearly a daily basis.

Because to grow cotton organically, a different hybrid of the cotton plant is grown—one with softer, longer fibers….so the resulting fabric is more luxurious and soft!

Because growing cotton organically doesn’t just mean “no pesticides.� It means using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture.

Companies using conventionally grown cotton usually also use more chemicals to process the fabrics and clothing than companies using organically grown cotton:

• Chemical dyes are used (as opposed to plant-based dyes) and at least half of the chemicals end up as waste in rivers and soil.
• Chlorine bleaching is also common, creating the poisonous dioxin as a result.
• Formaldehyde and other finishing agents are often used to make the fabric stay wrinkle-free.

It is the world’s strongest natural fiber that grows in long prolific stalks and produces a soft linen-like highly durable fabric. The good news for environmentalists is it can be grown without harsh chemicals, although “organic� hemp is still relatively unknown. Some companies are starting to grow it completely organically, so after a transitional period, consumers should also have organic hemp as a clothing fiber choice.

The hemp plant is easy to grow, it grows quickly and it actually improves the land it is grown upon. This is because it sheds its leaves throughout the growing season adding rich organic matter to the topsoil and helping to retain moisture, and because it has a very deep tap root that helps break up even the most compact soils.

Hemp fabric is very versatile. It helps wick moisture away from the body, is mildew resistant and blocks out the sun’s harmful rays, so the fabric is especially fitting for active wear. It is three times more durable than cotton. Hemp is very easy to care for and can be machine washed and dried.

Some other wonderful facts about hemp:

• One acre of hemp produces as much pulp for paper as four acres of forest with considerably fewer chemicals
• Paper made from hemp lasts 25 times longer which does not crack, yellow or crumble with age.
• Hemp fiber added to paper allows its recycling indefinitely
• Hemp may be used to make nearly 25,000 products!
• Hemp, as a fabric for cloth, was mentioned as early as 2500 years ago.

Angora
Angora wool is gently harvested during the rabbit's natural molting process. The Angora rabbit is never harmed for its fleece. Angora wool in 8 times warmer than sheep wool. The resulting fabric is soft and cuddly and can be washed by hand.

Alpaca
Alpaca hair has an insulating core with a smooth velvety hand and a cloud-weight softness. And because of the straightness of the fiber, alpaca resists pilling. Alpaca sweaters can be washed by hand.

Merino Wool and Boiled Merino Wool
Boiled merino wool is naturally a technical fiber that acts as a climate control mechanism for the human body. It is extrememly soft against the skin, yet strong and durable. Merino wool absorbs moisture into its core and releases it into the air, keeping you dry and comfortable. Merino wool will keep you warm when it's cool and cool when it's hot.

PCR Fleece also known as Eco-Spun Polyester
PCR stands for post-consumer recycled - soPCR fleece or Eco-spun is polyester from recycled pop bottles! How it works is: people take their plastic bottles to the recycling center. The plastic is chopped, washed and converted into flakes. The flakes are melted and made into fibers. The recycled fibers are compressed, baled and, at later at the mill, they are knit, dyed and made into snuggly, warm clothing! PCR fleece is not just about keeping more trash from the landfills - it's also about the immense fuel and water savings. For every 3700 (2-liter) bottles recycled (which can make around 150 jackets), a barrel of oil (42 gallons) is saved and about half a ton of toxic air emissions is avoided. From '93 to '99, Patagonia diverted roughly 40 million 2-liter bottles from landfills - the oil saved was sufficient to fill a Suburban's 40-gallon gas tank approximately 10,000 times. (Information provided by Patagonia)