Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment, without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, defoliants, or genetically modified seeds. The organic cotton movement emerged in the early 1990s in response to the environmental devastation caused by conventional cotton farming, which accounts for approximately 16 percent of global insecticide use and 7 percent of herbicide use despite covering only 2.4 percent of the world's arable land. Organic certification, governed by standards like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), ensures that cotton is grown using crop rotation, biological pest control, and composting to maintain soil health and biodiversity. In interior design, organic cotton has become a preferred material for upholstery, curtains, bedding, towels, and decorative textiles. The fabric offers the familiar comfort, versatility, and durability of conventional cotton without the chemical residues that can off-gas into indoor environments. Organic cotton is available in a wide range of weaves, weights, and finishes, from crisp percale sheeting to heavy canvas upholstery. While it typically carries a 20 to 30 percent price premium over conventional cotton, the cost difference has narrowed significantly as production has scaled. For designers committed to healthy indoor environments, organic cotton is one of the most straightforward sustainable substitutions, requiring no compromise on aesthetics, performance, or availability.