Organic Cotton Facts

Of all organic fibers, organic cotton is one of the most popular. Here are some facts about the growing organic cotton industry.
 
What is "organic cotton"?
Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production.

How much organic cotton is there?
Organic cotton supply is estimated at on 0.1% of global cotton production.

How long does it take for a farm to become certified as organic?
It takes 3 years before a farm or field can become organic, which means that the use of pesticides was discontinued for 3 years prior and rigorous controls helped rebuild the soil

What separates one “organic” item from any other?
Sustainable Textile certification requires your product to be made using 100% certified organic cotton.
The Organic Exchange certification program allows you to claim a traceable percentage of certified organic cotton.

What constitutes Organic sheets from regular sustainable cotton sheeting?
Our 100% organic sheeting is completely free of all chemical treatments such as dioxin, formaldehyde, and other toxic chemicals used in finishing most bedding products. Our 100% SKAL certified organic cotton bedding is made with care so that you can sleep in peace. Certified organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or genetic engineering.

All natural yet soft and luxurious, our organic cotton bedding sets have a soft hand and a durable weave that will last for years. All Columbine Cody organic cotton bedding is minimally processed without the use of chemicals. By sleeping on certified organic cotton bedding you decrease your bodies exposure to toxic chemicals and help alleviate possible allergies or skin irritations.

Besides protecting you from synthetic chemicals, organic farming methods used in growing Organic Cotton also protect the air, water, and soil from chemical pollution. Organic farmers respect and nurture the soil rather than ruining it for future generations.

Each Organic Cotton Bedding Set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and the appropriate number of pillowcases. We generously oversize our finishing specs and all our fitted sheets have a 14” pocket. Our Organic cotton sheets are mechanically pre-shrunk and machine washable in warm water. If you bleach them, use only hydrogen peroxide. We recommend that you line dry or tumble dry on low or air temperature.


SKAL CERTIFICATION



What is SKAL certification?
Because organic certification of materials is outside the U.S. and the U.S. industry certification standards, manufacturers seek organic certification governed by the International Inspection & Certification Organization (SKAL). 

"The Dutch certifier Skal is one of the first organizations active in the field of forest certification. Skal was founded in 1985 as an inspection organization for organic production methods. Nowadays, Skal provides services, international and independent, in the field of inspection and certification.

Skal's mission is to promote the proper indications of products that have been cultivated according to sustainable production methods by means of supervising, testing, inspecting, assessing and certifying them.