Feature

You can already choose organic vegetables and food products – now you can buy organic underwear. The range, by mail order retailer Greenfibres, is the first in the UK to be given the stamp of organic approval by the Soil Association. This is the first step towards full UK Organic Certification for Greenfibres, about to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

The new range includes an organic support bra, sports bra, push-up bra, bustier, cross-over bra and maternity bra from £23.50, all available with matching organic briefs and thongs from £8.90. You can also choose from their range of sleepwear. Other Greenfibres products to be Soil Association-certified for the first time include a range of organic cotton towels and a selection of socks.

While most people have some idea of the reasons why organic food might be better for us and the environment, the idea of buying organic clothes is not one that may occur to many of us.

Gabriela Lana, co-director of Greenfibres and chair of the Soil Association’s Textiles Standards Committee, says, “The textiles industry causes a great deal of pollution and has rather dubious working practices.

“Organic clothing is just one more step towards living an ethical and eco-friendly life.”
The textile industry is indeed a major source of pollution, using about one quarter of the pesticides applied to crops worldwide. Over 8,000 chemicals are used to turn raw fibres into clothes, towels, bedding and other household goods. To grow the cotton for one T-shirt, a shocking figure of around 150 grams of pesticides and fertiliser are used.

Some of these chemicals, such as organophosphates, pyrethroids, carbamates and organochlorines, have been associated with cancer, birth defects and hormonal disruption. Reproductive effects have also been noted, including male fish developing female characteristics.

Organic textiles are derived from crops grown without chemicals, using eco-friendly methods. No toxic chemicals are used in their manufacture and surface dressings are either absent or eco-friendly.

All Greenfibres Organic products are certified by one of the major European agencies, which include Bioland (Germany), Demeter (Germany) and SKAL (Netherlands). It has only recently become possible to certify organic textiles in the UK.

The Soil Association standards cover the processing and manufacture of all natural fibres including leather and skins. The manufacturing of organic textiles uses methods that ensure minimal damage to humans and the environment. All inputs must be assessed on their biodegradability and their toxicity to fish, algae and water fleas. In addition, inputs are not allowed if it is suspected or proven that the chemicals or processes used can cause cancer, birth defects or changes to reproductive organs. Suspected or proven allergens are also banned.

“According to the WHO, 20,000 deaths occur in developing countries each year from poisoning by agricultural pesticides used on crops, of which many, due to their relative toxicity, can be attributed to cotton,” advises the Soil Association’s website.
“In Benin in West Africa, 24 people died as a result of poiso
ning from cotton pesticides in 2000: this included 11 children under the age of 10.”

Visit Greenfibres’ website (www.greenfibres.com) to view their range of organic clothing.

Picture caption: The new range includes organic bras. Prices start at £23.50.