Unlike conventional cotton which is one of the most heavily sprayed industry in the world, organic fibers (such as organic cotton) are not sprayed with harmful pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers, which in turn helps save our water, air and environment as a whole. Organic methods of agriculture are inherently better for our bodies, our homes, our planet and for future generations.

The Organic Trade Association (link) and its Organic Fiber Council defines the standards for organic fiber certification for future Federal Regulatory purposes. UTC's founder is on the Council's Steering Committee. Today, organizations such as IFOAM certify organic cotton and other fibers labeled as organic based on specific organic farming methodologies comparable to that of organic food.

In a young yet growing industry, the cost of organic fiber products will decrease as the demand for organic clothing increases. Today, costs of organic farming and fiber are at a slight premium; however the longer-term costs to our health and society are not reflected in conventional fiber cost models.

Natural fibers are those which are non-synthetic and grown under natural conditions: cotton, linen, hemp, flax, wool, silk, tencel and more. Fibers that are natural are grown without pesticides and use sustainable agricultural methods, unlike their conventional counterparts. Some fibers, such as hemp, are grown organically without the use of toxic chemicals but because of the organic fiber industry's youth, these fibers may not yet be certified organic. By the end of 2004, this should change.

Hemp is a durable, breathable comfortable fabric similar to linen but softer. It is also UV resistant. The hemp at UTC is of the highest quality and strength. It is machine washable as well.

A strong, easy-care fabric made of the cellulose extracted from managed tree farms. This elegant eco-fiber is derived using a non-toxic process, which spins it into a buttery-soft machine washable textile, both luxurious and upscale

Any 100% organic fiber such as organic cotton or linen. Depending upon your level of sensitivity, you may need to wear undyed or colorgrown (organic cotton grown in sage or brown) fabrics!

It takes one-third of a pound of chemical pesticides to produce one conventional cotton T-shirt. Last year, in the U. S. alone, over 84 million pounds of toxic pesticides were sprayed on conventional cotton fields. Multiply this by the enormous number of cotton garments sold and worn, and it becomes clear that its effect on our earth, water, and air resources has been devastating.

While cotton is justifiably enjoyed by many as a comfortable and versatile fabric, the popularization of organic cotton would greatly benefit not only those who wear it but also our planet, our health and that of future generations. Additionally, 60% of the cotton plant goes into the food stream as animal feed and cottonseed oil. To promote organic feed for free range chickens and beef, and organic cottonseed oil to be used in countless products, we need to grow cotton organically.

It is cotton grown free of toxic chemicals using biologically based and sustainable growing methods (such as crop rotation) rather than with highly synthetic and destructive fertilizers.

Color grown cotton contains no dyes but is grown in beautiful natural colors such as honey, sage, and mocha. Ancient Indians in South America were known to have used color grown cotton. In the past decade, these color grown cotton fibers have become available once again for apparel manufacturing.

"Green cotton" is conventional. Not organic, but instead, cotton which is undyed and untreated.

GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. These are plants which have not been manipulated by genetic engineering.

It is a nubby, soft fabric made from recycled soda bottles. Every time you purchase something from ecofleece you are contributing to saving another piece of the earth, which would otherwise be used as landfill.

The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is an association of fair trade wholesalers, retailers, and producers whose members are committed to providing fair wages and good employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide. Fair Trade products range from coffee and clothing to rugs and wall hangings. FTF directly links low-income producers with consumer markets and educates consumers about the importance of purchasing fairly traded products which support living wages and safe and healthy conditions for workers in the developing world. FTF also acts as a clearinghouse for information on fair trade and provides resources and networking opportunities for its members. By adhering to social criteria and environmental principles, Fair Trade Organizations (FTOs) foster a more equitable and sustainable system of production and trade that benefits people and their communities. Courtesy of underthecanopy.com