Cotton is one of the most widely used fibers in the world with a history that dates to prehistoric times. In 1793, when the cotton gin was invented, the cost of producing cotton was so low it quickly became widespread across the globe.
But did you know that the production of cotton is extremely challenging on water and land resources? It can take more than 20,000 liters or 5000 gallons of water to produce 1kg or 2.2 lbs. of cotton. That’s equivalent to one T-shirt and pair of jeans.
Worldwide use of pesticides and insecticides amounts to 18 percent just for cotton production. These toxic chemicals not only harm the Earth and its natural resources, but also cause health problems and worse.
An alarming fact about cotton.
The long history of cotton’s association with slave labor is no surprise to most people, but what many people do not know is slave labor is not just a thing of the past. Uzbekistan is the most infamous country for using forced child labor for picking cotton. Cotton's nickname in Uzbekistan is "white gold".
While many companies have specific restrictions against the use of Uzbek cotton in their factory policies, there is a lack of transparency in fabric sourcing, so many companies don’t even know where their cotton comes from.
Over the years, Monsanto has imposed such high prices on cotton seeds and pesticides on cotton farmers in India that many of them have been driven out of business and others left to ruin.
The facts about cotton are not all pretty and sometimes shocking. Maybe that’s why bamboo has easily become the choice of fabric for responsible, eco-friendly, green-living individuals and companies.
Bamboo has many positive attributes, including being totally biodegradable. Bamboo can be easily composted and repurposed in earth-friendly ways, unlike other fibers which end up in landfills.
Referred to as ‘the new cotton’, bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic and microbe resistant, and the organic wicking in the bamboo fibers of our bedding keeps you dry and comfortable as you sleep. An opulent array of colors from which to choose makes Island Slumber sheets and bedding a beautifully healthy choice.
Island Slumber is known for our dedication to ‘living green’. That’s why we collaborate with American Forests to plant a tree each time you make a purchase with us. Find out how to try one our amazing products and see for yourself why bamboo is better than cotton.
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