We are all already familiar with the concept of organic food production, however the role of environmental materials in the manufacture of clothing is still at low levels. Fortunately, more and more celebrities choose clothes made from organic materials and it can be an encouragement for all of us. Along with the fight for rights of animals, there can be seen a growing popularity in cooperation of fashion and ecology. Hollywood also supports the trend of eco-clothing in the world. For example, Julia Roberts loves organic clothing. Moreover, the wife of famous actor Colin Firth, has opened a boutique which offers clothing made from organic and environmentally-friendly fabric, and also there are collections inspired by ecological motives. British designer Stella McCartney, proponent of ethical approach to fashion, even designs organic underwear.
On the other hand, studies have shown that only 7% of the population has a developed awareness of ecological clothing. But he difference are significant: organic cotton cultivation protects the lives of workers in farming and manufacturing. However, standard cotton growing causes one million poisonings a year, and 20 000 of them are fatal. These terrible data are unfortunately not surprising if we know that cotton plantation owners in the African and South American countries do not provide even the slightest physical protection from possible pesticide poisoning for their workers. Furthermore, work and wages of workers in the cotton plantations are incomprehensible to our understanding because many children, women, elderly and disabled and working even 18 hours a day for only two daily meals and accommodation. Next time we want to but a piece of clothing, we should ask ourselves in what circumstances it is made.
Thanks to fashion designer, we have more choices. Young designers in many cities opened boutiques with organic clothing. The Swedish fashion chain H & M, which is very popular among young people because of affordable prices, uses organic cotton in their products since 2004. Besides the already mentioned H & M, we can easily find organic clothing at Wal-Mart, Woolwoorths and C & A. Also, products from organic cotton can be found under brands such as Levi’s, Diesel, Nike, Timberland, fashion-conscience, Springfiled, The North Face …
