[Daniel Slatkin]

Last time I checked cotton was a plant which is a living organism. So then what makes your standard 100% cotton shirt so unorganic?

Definitions of 'organic'
(ôr-găńĭk)

The American Heritage® Dictionary- (9 definitions)

(adjective)

1. Of, relating to, or derived from living organisms: organic matter.
2. Of, relating to, or affecting a bodily organ: an organic disease.
3. • Of, marked by, or involving the use of fertilizers or pesticides that are strictly of animal or vegetable origin: organic vegetables; an organic farm.
   • Raised or conducted without the use of drugs, hormones, or synthetic chemicals: organic chicken; organic cattle farming.
   • Serving organic food: an organic restaurant.
   • Simple, healthful, and close to nature: an organic lifestyle.
4. • Having properties associated with living organisms.
   • Resembling a living organism in organization or development; interconnected: society as an organic whole.
5. Constituting an integral part of a whole; fundamental.
6. Law Denoting or relating to the fundamental or constitutional laws and precepts of a government or an organization.
7. Chemistry Of or designating carbon compounds.

(noun)

1. A substance, especially a fertilizer or pesticide, of animal or vegetable origin.
2. Chemistry An organic compound.

(derivatives)

or·gańi·cal·ly adverb oŕgan·ići·ty noun

 

[anonimol]

I even found that people use the concept of "organic web traffic" which means that your website is placed in search engines in "natural,organic" way without you paying for that...haha I also don't get the concept of organic shirts

 

[mothertongues]

There are stats on how much pesticides are used for cotton growing on tons of sites. Here is one:
Cotton is the most pesticide-dependent crop in the world, accounting for 25% of all pesticide use.
These chemicals are taking a toll on our environment and human health as a whole. Every T-shirt made of conventional cotton requires 1/4 pound of harmful chemicals.

According to the USDA, in one year alone over 50 million pounds of pesticides were used on U.S. cotton fields. These pesticides deplete the soil and pollute watersheds.

Organically raised cotton is gradually winning over new ground both on the farm and in the marketplace. No toxins or synthetic fertilizers are used. Organic cotton is produced without the use of harsh chemical bleaches or dyes, and is allergy free. Natural fertilizers, compost and soil amendments are used, and advances in natural pest control, such as ladybugs which destroy harmful insects, have helped make raising organic cotton a viable enterprise. Organic cotton clothing, unheard of a few years ago, is now available in many stores and online businesses.

I don't necessarily care about whether I'm wearing 100% cotton or organic cotton clothing, but I care about what we are doing to the earth. I'd rather know that my little company is not polluting the earth more than necessary.

 

[T-BOT]

more about....

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[SunEmbroidery]

In additon to spoiling the immediate environment, pesticides run-off contaminates the surronding environment. This contamination harms insects, wildlife and humans and upsets the natural healthy balance of the environment. One procedure that organic farmers are required to use is crop rotation. This practice naturally restores nutrients back into the soil. Without crop rotation the soil is stripped of its nutrients and more synthetic fertilizers are needed.

 

[Daniel Slatkin]

Thank you all for your great informative responses.

It's just for the most part I think it's all about marketing and I doubt that most textiles that are advertised as organic probably fall a long way from it.

I will be honest this is something I have just started researching and have been thinking of adding some Organic products to our line. Is the market really there? Does the average consumer even care? and for those of you that do carry organic lines and non organic what do you sell more of?
And lat but not least What organic inks and printing methods do you use?

 

[fivefinger-D]

Who knows, who cares, it sells! Just kidding, I mean I am no tree humper but I do lobe the way organics feel on my body.

 

[wormil]

...Does the average consumer even care?

Considering how many people still hork down McBurgers and fries every day, the average consumer does not care but there are consumers who do. Its all about your market.

 

[mothertongues]

It's just for the most part I think it's all about marketing and I doubt that most textiles that are advertised as organic probably fall a long way from it.

That is why there are certification for organic products. Make sure what you buy is certified organic.
And it is about your market, but also about what you feel comfortable to sell. I just can't sell the ethos of my company on 99c t-shirts from China, it just won't make sense. My 2c.

 

[SunEmbroidery]

I think for many price is the deciding factor. I've given a few quotes (large quantities) for embroidered organic polos but none of these has resulted in an order. I think environmentally conscious groups are interested but the price stops them because organic shirts are considerably more expensive. I'm really only aware of my supplier's prices so possibly that vendor is high. I'm hoping that as interest increases demand will increase and prices will drop.

 

[Continental USA]

Such a HUGE topic. One that will become more and more relevent. I am sure you have all seen the shift in the last year from all sectors of industry, to setup a "green" or "sustainable" department. IBM, Johnson & Johnson, All the major airlines, Exxon Mobil, all the way to us. We are all in it, and taking product from the same natural resources. T-shirts do not grow on trees. They have to be manufactured. The way this happens is the point.

As i say, a massive topic.

It's Organic but no need to panic

 

[theloin]

The markup is higher if you use a percentage based calculation that includes your cost of goods (the organic clothing item.) So if you markup a $5 organic blank tee and a $2 conventional blank tee there's more profit on the organic option. Unfortunately it also puts the cost up there in the "I wish I could go organic, but I can't afford it."

My solution was to pick the markup I wanted per blank item irrespective of the actual cost of the garment. I used the closest conventional option as a measuring stick. Therefore the markup is the same on both, I make the same and the organic option becomes more reasonable for the customer.

You have to read up on it to "get it". But your post really tells everyone you want to understand. There will be a lot of "greenwashing" going on for some time to come. Read up on the certifications out there. Ask the manufacturers questions. Read the company FAQ. That's what we'll need to do to be properly informed. More work, yeah!

 

[Continental USA]

There will be a lot of "greenwashing" going on for some time to come. Read up on the certifications out there. Ask the manufacturers questions. Read the company FAQ. That's what we'll need to do to be properly informed. More work, yeah!

Excellent post. Interesting to see your way of addressing the issue. One that works well i would say. Of course, everyone's situation is different. There is no single way of working. But the issue of 'Green washing' or 'fake greening' is going to be the next hot topic. It's going to dominate media in 2009.

Bottom line; don't use the word 'organic' unless you are fully understanding it's meaning. which i am not sure anyone really does except for 2 of our co-founders! and ralph nader is it?

 

[SunEmbroidery]

I appreciate the link from Continental's site. The more sellers know about the benefits of genuine organic apparel, the more likely we'll be able to sell organic items.

 

[Girlzndollz]

People are paying the upcharge for organic milk, yogurts, cheese, they are paying for toxin free paint that does not smell, but cost twice the price of top of the line paint... they buy organic fruit, chicken, this is what I see around me... to think of companies selling organic clothes seems perfectly in line with the "trendy" thing to do.

With the higher cost of these items, loading your refrigerator with organic food and covering your body in organic clothing, and using organic make up and beauty products is also a *status symbol* for the more well to do. Some are drawn to it by the show of it.

You can't do these things if you can't afford it.
Part of the allure for some consumers of organic is the exclusivity of the "Organic Club".

 

[gmille39]

Recent studies showed no added benefits to buying and eating organic foods. I never bought into the organic foods craze since I figured it was simply a way to charge a higher price for a yuppy type food.

 

[kimmy]

People are paying the upcharge for organic milk, yogurts, cheese, they are paying for toxin free paint that does not smell, but cost twice the price of top of the line paint... they buy organic fruit, chicken, this is what I see around me... to think of companies selling organic clothes seems perfectly in line with the "trendy" thing to do.

With the higher cost of these items, loading your refrigerator with organic food and covering your body in organic clothing, and using organic make up and beauty products is also a *status symbol* for the more well to do. Some are drawn to it by the show of it.

You can't do these things if you can't afford it.
Part of the allure for some consumers of organic is the exclusivity of the "Organic Club".

yes, now let's see what i can CALL ORGANIC next and profit from it.

 

[Girlzndollz]

Slap the word organic on it, and up the price, seems to be the trend. My trouble with organic is really that from what I understand (which is not in depth, trust me) that the definition of organic and the regulation of it isn't consistent. It might mean one thing on one item and another on another item. I just pick and choose. Hey, I like pretty fruit without worm holes, what can I say?

 

[tshirtmann]

It is a bunch of baloney, just a catch phrase to sell a product at a higher price. I suggest all you guys advertising as organic your products.

 

[theloin]

TS Designs: printing t-shirts for good

Great info about why organic for cotton. The owner has been in the business a long time, and he's run huge print shops (nafta killed his business the first time around, it's a good story.) He gets into inks and the printing process altogether. He has partnered with an ink manufacturer to come up with an amazing printing ink, it's worth a read for any screen printer.

Continental Clothing - Organic Cotton

They have a lot of info on organic cotton and their commitment to the organic movement.

Instead of bashing it because it's expensive (relative since it's only expensive as an end product, what's the cost of your conventional cotton in total?) try reading up on it. Also know some of the posters are competitors who do not offer organic.)

I use both organic and conventional cotton, I leave it up to the customer. I attempt to sell them on organic by providing information so they can make an informed decision.

And, yes, there are greenwashers out there. Companies that are not truthful about organic content and processes.

I'm not on a high horse here, just want to share relevant info. Cheers.