We canʼt assume that if our textiles are natural they are good for the environment or us. Cotton is the most heavily sprayed crop on earth. It is responsible for 10% of all pesticides sold, causes water contamination and soil damage. Cotton has been genetically modified to tolerate pesticides and resist insect pests. Indeed after soybeans and corn, cotton is the third largest GM crop in the world. Also important to consider the fact that plastic designs printed on fabric can contain high levels of phthalates– chemicals that have a hormonal effect and can be carcinogenic. In addition insecticides and fungicides are frequently used on fabrics while being stored in warehouses. Many dyes, especially those used on synthetic fabrics have been linked to allergies.

The answer then is wherever possible, to choose natural organic fabrics like cotton, hemp, linen and wool for our clothes, bedclothes, baby clothes and towels. (Consider for a moment that night clothes and sheets spend more time in contact with our skin than any other item in our wardrobe.) An added bonus is that when we discard these items, we can simply put them on the compost heap and they will gently rot away.