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 Cotton provides half the world's fiber needs, and it is the most
heavily sprayed crop on Earth. Conventional cotton farming
uses a quarter of the world's pesticides! It takes nearly a
pound of chemicals to produce a pair of jeans from
conventional cotton. The US Department of Agriculture
reports that 55 million pounds of pesticides were sprayed on
US cotton in 2003. The US Environmental Protection Agency
considers seven different pesticides used on cotton to be
likely, probable, or known carcinogens. According to the
World Health Organization, of the 20,000+ people who die
each year from pesticide poisoning, many are cotton farmers.
Conventional cotton farming not only poisons people, but
it also poisons the land with chemicals that eventually end
up in our food, water, and bodies. Organic cotton, on the
other hand, is grown without the use of pesticides,
herbicides, insecticides, chemical fertilizers, or any other
synthetic chemicals. In fact, to be certified organic, the
soil in which the crop is grown must be free of chemicals
for three years prior to planting. Organic cotton farmers
nurture the soil and use natural methods of pest and weed
control - and they don't have to worry about being exposed
to toxic chemicals while in the field. Organic agriculture
promotes and enhances biodiversity, soil fertility, and
ecological harmony.
When you buy organic cotton products, you don't have to
worry about exposing yourself to toxic chemicals. As a
contaminated plant grows, pesticide residues build up in the
cotton, and they can pass directly through your skin if you
sleep on contaminated cotton bedding. Pesticide exposure can
cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, and more serious effects
like cancer and neurological disorders. Hot sleepers should
be especially concerned about sleeping on contaminated
cotton because moisture makes it easier for the chemicals to
cross the skin barrier. Organic cotton bedding is safe and
soft on the skin, it absorbs moisture extremely well, and it
will never expose you to dangerous chemicals.
 When compared to polyester bedding, organic cotton
bedding is softer and cooler. Also, many people are
sensitive to polyester. Polyester is made from
petrochemicals which can sometimes off-gas into the air and
cause reactions among sensitive individuals. Polyester lasts
longer than organic cotton, and it's less expensive, but if
you are chemically sensitive to polyester, then the higher
cost of organic cotton bedding is well worth it.
Most
dust mite bedding is made from polyester because of its
durability. However,
Allergy Armor Organic, exclusive to
achooallergy.com,
is made from the only fabric in the US that's certified 100%
organic, non-treated, non-dyed, and clinically-proven to be
an effective dust mite barrier.
If you are allergic to dust mites and also sensitive to
chemicals, you should place
Allergy Armor Organic covers on your pillows and
mattress. Since you spend a third of your life in bed, you
should make sure that it's not making you sick! These
specially woven and pressed zippered covers will block dust
mites and other allergens from your bed and your breathing
zone.
Once you cover your mattress and pillows with
Allergy Armor Organic, add
organic
cotton sheets and an
organic cotton blanket for a totally natural,
rejuvenating sleep experience. |
