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Consumer Interests: How Safe Is That Organic Clothing Label?

By Bob Folkart

The passion for "green" or organic products is sweeping the US and the world. Consumers seek the word "organic" stamped on a broad variety of products including toys, bedding, clothes and food. Many people are trying to do their part to keep our environment healthy and clean by protecting our air, water, soil and food supply. Celebrities like Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Stella McCartney are wearing organic clothing and have made "green" an important mission in their life.

Organic food and organic clothing are two of the leading industries sought by eco-oriented customers. However, if we look beneath the comfortable organic seal, what we see may occasionally surprise us.

Consider that delicious, organically grown salmon filet, rich in omega 3's. According to Consumer's Reports (December, 2008), "...the National Organic Standards Board recommended in November, organically grown fish may be fed non-organic fishmeal, which may be contaminated with mercury and PCBs". Their recommendation would also permit "...open net cages which can flush pollution, disease, and parasites directly into the ocean".

Now consider that soft, organic cotton blue tee you received for the holidays. Even if the cotton fibers are 100% certified organics, environmental issues may still remain. "...the use of toxic dyes and other pollutants such as PVCs damages our water, soil and food supply" (Vice President of Live Life Organics, Baltimore Sun, 2008). Additionally, was that tee shirt shipped in recyclable packaging? Were the tags attached with nylon or hemp?

Without extensive federal supervision and standards, the safety of organic fish and green apparel is never certain. Although there are some clear standards in the organic food industry, organic clothing regulations are essentially up to nonprofit consumer organizations like Green America, seeking voluntary compliance with their screening and approval procedures. However, on the positive side, the organic label can be just as comforting as you would like it to be.

So what about the organic salmon? Consumer Reports also indicated that only organic fish may be fed non-organic nutrients -- in sole contrast to the feeding of all other organic food animals. And what about the soft blue organic tee shirt? Many organic apparel companies use non-toxic dyes like Green America's Ecoganik, Earth Creations, Live Life Organics and others. Soft organic shirts can "...be a good alternative for people who experience skin allergies from chemicals or pesticides..." (Founder of BuddhiWear Organics, Baltimore Sun, April 2008). Organic clothing made from soft bamboo fiber is not only soft, but it has high moisture absorption and antibacterial properties that can naturally eliminate odor, according to SpiritMama, a green company that makes bamboo and organic cotton apparel.

So how safe is the organic clothing label? It may be just fine, but it really depends on how far you're willing to look beneath the surface!

Source: How Safe Is That Organic Food Clothing Label?

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