Patagonia is celebrating having used 100% organic cotton—produced without the use of pesticides, toxic fertilisers, or genetically modified seeds—in its cotton clothing for ten years. The US company first adopted organic cotton in its apparel in 1996.

A basic cotton t-shirt generally requires the use of 140 g of pesticide and chemical fertilisers. Although cotton may be natural it can soak up more than 10% of these pesticides and 25% of insecticides.

According to Patagonia, organic cotton farming methods support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, improve the soil quality, and often use less water than conventional cotton growing methods. However, growing organically takes more time, requires more knowledge and skill, and still costs more.

Patagonia organises ‘cotton tours’ every year to show how ‘factory farming’ spoils the natural landscape and has a serious impact on the environment.

Companies such as Nike (USA), Mark & Spencer (UK), Coop (Switzerland), Prana (USA), Monoprix (France) and Timberland (USA) have all contributed to the 76% production growth between 2000 and 2005 by using organic cotton. However, organic cotton production is still marginal in relation to total production: representing only 0.1% of total cotton production.