New York Times Article Uncovers Hard Truths About the Organic Cotton Industry

On February 13, 2022, The New York Times published an investigation into the organic cotton industry. Their findings might make you feel deeply uncomfortable about the organic shirt that you’re wearing. Due to a supply chain fraught with fraud and shifty certification processes, alongside demand that is far outweighing supply, the sustainable gear that you thought you bought might not be organic after all.

This news may come as a huge blow to the sustainably-inclined. Organic cotton is often touted as a golden standard in eco-friendly clothing. It is said to use less water and pesticides than conventional cotton and to biodegrade in less than six months (compared to spandex, which may never decompose).

The article notes that several companies, including Patagonia, sent in a statement reinforcing their commitment to organic cotton, but did not make a representative available for interview.

The article leaves the reader with this conclusion: “At this point, some industry insiders believe the only way for a brand to ensure its organic cotton is actually organic is to invest in farmers directly through credible organizations before any seed is even sown.”

Instead of leaving the heavy lifting up to brands, one way you can decrease the impact of your cotton clothing on the environment is to buy used. Many of the deleterious effects of clothing come from the manufacturing process, so even more sustainable production is not the most sustainable option.