have on the environment. Conventional methods
typically use seeds treated with fungicide or in-
secticides. Organic growers avoid these, using
untreated seeds. The latter also avoids GMO
(genetically modified organism) seeds. GMO
seeds can cultivate and grow, through pollina-
tion and wind-borne flight, in areas not in the
initial planting zone, affecting other crops, wild
flora, and fauna who may feed on those plants.
Weed and pest control are also handled dif-
ferently. Conventional farming uses herbicides,
pesticides, and insecticides. Aerial spraying is
the norm. Organic methods require hand-pulling
and aeration, beneficial insect introduction (to
eat harmful pests), and sometimes uses ‘trap-
crops’ to lure pests away from the cotton. In
addition, organic farming uses the natural evo-
lution of seasons to handle defoliation, making
hand-harvesting easier. Conventional methods
use defoliation sprays to move things along.
As one can imagine, organic methods are
more labor intensive and more costly to carry
out. This explains the cost difference of final
products using organic cotton. However, the
investment is not only in a long-lasting, eco-
conscious product; it is an investment in the
land’s ability to keep producing, allowing us
to leave a legacy of fruitfulness to our chil-
dren. Something to think about the next time
you go to grab your favorite t-shirt. Even these
relatively small wardrobe purchases make a
difference in the health of our planet.
DEbORAH
LINDquISt.cOm
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