Why ORGANIC COTTON IS MORE EXPENSIVE

Along with most other items of higher quality and ethical merit, organic cotton has a higher price tag than that of conventional cotton. Let’s take a look at the reasons why.

Organic cotton is far more labour intensive, resulting in a higher price tag. Instead of easily spraying dangerous chemicals to control weeds, growing organic cotton requires careful planning. This includes growing cover crops, utilising beneficial insects to control unwanted insects and even manual weeding of crops. Organic cotton is also usually hand picked by farmers, rather than using machines. All of this takes much longer and is harder work for the farmers, resulting in a higher cost for organic versus conventional cotton.

Another major factor of the increased cost of purchasing organic cotton, is that workers are compensated fairly and have fair work conditions throughout the entire process. Fair trade and fair pay for workers are important cornerstones of the organic cotton industry and significantly add to the cost of organic cotton. Doing what is right is not always easy, or cheap.

Being organic means that there are no nasties used in the production of the cotton. This includes the types of dyes used to colour the cotton. GOTS certified organic cotton uses dyes that are non-toxic, or natural. These dyes are more expensive than the dyes that are used for conventional cotton, which also adds to the cost of organic cotton. With the knowledge that you are purchasing a 100% natural and safe fabric, I’d say that’s money well spent.

Purchasing GOTS certified organic cotton does come at a cost. This comes down to the increased cost to produce the fabric. If you desire a product that is not only safe but also helps protect the environment and supports ethical production, buying organic cotton is the right choice for you and your family.