FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Q: Why organic?
A: Our choices impact the health of this place we call home. Organic farming practices:

• Keep millions of pounds of chemicals out of the environment
• Create healthier working conditions for farmers and agricultural workers
• Do not depend on chemical pesticides (poisons), synthetic fertilizers, or genetically engineered ingredients
• Reduce global warming.  Organic farms pull CO2 out of the atmosphere as much as three times the rate of conventional farming practices and releases less CO2 into the atmosphere because it does not rely on chemical fertilizers and herbicides (Rodale Institute, 2008)
• Promote bio-diversity.  Insect and bird life has been found to be as much as 50% greater on organic farms than conventional farms (UK Soil Association, 2000)
• Demonstrates your commitment to social and  environmental responsibility

Q: What is organic farming?
A: The term organic describes a method of farming without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides or fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation or genetic engineering, and are certified by an accredited independent organization. It is a system of farming that strives for a balance with nature, using methods and materials that are of low impact to the environment (Source: Organic Trade Association, 2008).

Q: What are the differences between organic and conventional farming?
A: The major differences are in the following categories: seeds weed control, soil and water and harvest practice. For more information, check out the Organic Exchange Symbiosis booklet(Source: Organic Trade Association, 2008).

Q: What proportion of the agricultural chemicals is used to support conventional farming practices for cotton?
A: Conventionally grown cotton consumes 25% of the insecticides and more than 10% of the pesticides used in the world (Source: Organic Trade Association, 2008).

Q: How much chemicals are used to produce one t-shirt?
A: Conventional farming devours roughly 150 grams or 1/3 of a pound of pesticides and fertilizers to produce enough cotton for a single t-shirt. (Source: Organic Trade Association, 2008).

Q: What about rotation crops, why are they important?
A: Besides being an integral part of farming organically and required under organic standards to enhance the quality of the soil. Rotation crops provide food security and alternative sources of income for farming communities (Source: Organic Trade Association, 2008).

Q: How does organic farming support bio-diversity?
A: Through crop rotation, promotion of soil health, and through an absence of agriculture chemicals that effect the ability of wild life and insects around the farm to thrive (Source: Organic Trade Association, 2008).

Q: Where can I get details about global organic cotton production?
A: Today there many of organizations working to educate people about the benefits of organic agricultural methods in an effort to promote the growth of organics globally.  Here are a few of the sites we recommend visiting to learn more:

• Organic Exchange www.organicexchange.org
• Organic Farming Research Foundation www.ofrf.org
• Organic Trade Associate www.ota.com
• Pesticide Action Network www.panna.org
• Rodale Institute www.rodaleinstitute.org
• The Organic Center www.organic-center.org

Q: Where can I learn more about organic farming projects?
A: Please see our publication Sowing the Seeds of Change (Source: Organic Trade Association, 2008).

Q: Where does your cotton come from?
A: Our current production uses fibers mostly from Turkey and India. Turkey has been the world’s largest grower of organic cotton, but soon India will be the world leader in cotton cultivation.

Q: Who certifies your cotton?
A: Our cotton fiber is certified by Control Union (formerly known as SKAL) as well as other certification bodies recognized by the USDA NOP.   Our shirts have top-stitching details, spandex in the neck rib to maintain shape, and are washed with GMO free enzymes to create a very soft hand-feel.  All these quality decisions make our tee shirt superior.

Q:  Why is recycled polyester used in the sweatshirt?
A: All product definition decisions are based on quality.  Polyester content means increased fabric stability, reduced shrinkage and soft fleece in the inside.  All current production uses post consumer recycled polyester.

Q: Do you use natural dyes?
A: We do not use natural dyes.  We use high quality reactive dyes that have low environmental impact.  These dyes are accepted by the Organic Trade Associations Fiber Standards as well as the new Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS).

Q: Why do you use brass to make your zippers and clasps?
A: Because brass does not have to be plated, the manufacturing process has a smaller environmental impact as compared to other options.  We are continuously researching materials in an effort to find the most sustainable options.

Q: Do you use fibers like hemp?
A: Our products are designed with quality in mind.  Hemp is a fiber that is well suited for bags, hats and accessory items; and we will eventually make customs products in hemp.  As a fiber for knitwear such as tee shirts, hemp is not as comfortable as organic cotton.

Q: Why doesn’t Conscious Clothing use bamboo fabric (viscose rayon)?
A: The complex process of chemically breaking down cellulose pulp to form regenerated cellulose fiber, or rayon, results in a great deal of environmental pollution. In addition, waste-gas emissions from the xanthation process and waste-water emissions associated with the wet spinning bath are of particular concern because of the health risks associated with the process. To learn more click here.

Conscious Clothing will not use bamboo fabric until we are able to verify that the production methods being employed are environmentally responsible.

Q: What are the working conditions in your factories?
A:  Our Organic cotton apparel are produced in factories that have been certified according to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) by an independent third party agency.  Section 3 of the GOTS addresses important social components designed to ensure a safe and hygienic workplace is provided.  Our primary organic cotton cap factory is WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production) certified; visit http://www.wrapapparel.org .
Q: If I wear your clothing will I become enlightened?
A:  No! You will be the only one responsible for becoming enlightened, but buy wearing our products you will contribute to the concept of enlightenment as well you will be spreading the message of unity and compassion across our planet.