Tocco's cotton bandanas are now 100% organic and here's why
Most of us are trying to be mindful of our impact on the climate, but all of the information can be overwhelming, disheartening and often contradictory. For example, while natural dyeing is much gentler on the environment than using synthetic dyes, water use is a real consideration. I know a textile designer in California that decided to stick with synthetic dye exactly for the water use issue.
I certainly don’t have all of the answers but I will offer facts that I have learned along the way that have informed some of my purchasing decisions. Fibershed organization give these guidelines to consider when choosing your fiber and clothes:
what is the fiber made from? Many fibers contain petroleum-based materials which are damaging to the environment basically every step of their production. And fun fact - synthetic indigo is petroleum-based!
how was the fiber produced? So even though a fiber may be from natural material - like cotton - depending on what agricultural practices are utilized - will determine how much carbon is drawn out of the atmosphere. More on that a little later.
was the fiber dyed? Synthetic dyes include harmful chemicals and metallic elements which can threaten the health of humans, animals and natural spaces.
where was the fiber produced? With fragmented global manufacturing, fibers can criss cross the globe, sometimes multiple times from raw material to finished product.
The organic cotton used in the bandanas are grown in India and certified by two organizations. Conventional cotton used more toxic pesticides and fertiiizers than any other single corp, accounting for more than 25% of all pesticides used in farming. (eachnight.com). 70-80% of organic cotton relies on rainfall vs irrigation to water the crops. Bottom line: it’s better for the farm workers, the soil, and the spinners and weavers that work with the material and ultimately you, who is actually wearing it!
And the best part? These bandanas are soooo soft - you can just feel the difference from conventional grown cotton bandanas! Let me know if you have any questions or thoughts.