1. The Organic Difference:
Organic cotton stands apart from conventional cotton, grown sustainably and naturally. It's free from harmful toxins and remains non-genetically modified, fostering a farming approach that enhances the environment rather than depleting it.
2. GOTS Certification:
At Organic Crew, our commitment to excellence is reflected in our GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) approved cotton. Dive into the world of GOTS certification, ensuring that our organic cotton is of the highest quality, leaving no negative impact on the environment or its caretakers.
3. Sustainable Farming Practices:
Grown in India on small plots under optimal conditions, our cotton is positioned to receive the right balance of sunlight and rainwater, promoting soil health and biodiversity.
4. Environmental Benefits:
From sustainable production and enhanced soil health to significantly reduced water usage compared to conventional cotton, investing in organic cotton is a positive stride towards a greener future.
5. Social Impact:
By improving the quality of life for those involved in the supply and manufacturing of cotton, the positive impact extends beyond environmental considerations to the very heart of communities and towns.
6. Personal Well-being:
With no toxins, our 100% organic cotton ensures a gentle touch, contributing to healthier, happier skin. Plus, the longevity of our Organic Crew garments ensures they'll remain a timeless part of your wardrobe for years, not just a season.
Investing in organic cotton basics is a commitment to elegance, comfort, and sustainability. As you adorn yourself in Organic Crew, you're not just wearing a garment; you're making a statement for a better, more conscious fashion future. Join us in the journey toward organic style, where fashion meets responsibility.
]]>In the vast and bustling world of fashion, the allure of fast fashion often masks its hidden costs. While it may seem tempting to indulge in the latest trends churned out at breakneck speed, the true impact of these choices remains largely unseen.
The fast fashion industry, with its rapid turnover of cheaply produced garments, contributes significantly to environmental degradation and compromises human well-being. Cheaply made clothing not only pollutes our water and soil through its production but also harbours detrimental effects on the health of those who craft them.
The stark reality is that behind the allure of bargain prices lie immeasurable costs - costs borne by our planet and the lives of individuals across the globe. From the moment a garment is produced to its inevitable disposal, the detrimental effects persist, often invisible to the end consumer.
Shopping slow is an antidote to this reckless cycle. Choosing quality over quantity, seeking out garments produced with care and ethical practices, marks a shift toward a more sustainable future. By supporting slower production methods, we actively reduce our footprint on the planet and advocate for fairer treatment of those involved in the production process.
Every garment has a story, and by embracing slow fashion, we ensure that these stories resonate with ethical craftsmanship, durability, and a commitment to the well-being of both people and the planet. It's a step toward a more conscious and compassionate approach to dressing – one that prioritises sustainability, quality, and the value of every thread.
In a world where choices echo far beyond our closets, let's choose with purpose. Let's choose slow.
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Plastics in clothing is unsustainable and unethical. Due to the short life span of these fabrics, garments are thrown out at a higher rate which cannot be safely disposed of. They are not biodegradable and textile waste take up a significant portion of overall land fill waste. However due to the low cost, accessibility and short production times of microplastic materials, these have no sign of reducing to compete with the fashion market.
At Organic Crew, we use strictly only organic fibres for our materials. We sustainably and ethically source and produce our garments in 100% pure fibres. We use organic cotton, cashmere, and Australian merino wool. Ensuring there is no negative impact on the people or the planet as a result of our clothing. Our products have a guaranteed long lasting life, for your clothing should last you years – not a season.
]]>Where they were made?
By whom?
What resources were required for this garment to be on my body?
All of these are important questions to consider while shopping; to take into account both ethical and environmental implications.
Fast fashion consumption has saturated the fashion industry, with micro trends plastered through social media pumping unnecessary materialism. Today high consumption rates have become the norm, and we take for granted readily available clothing. But our clothes hold stories and a journey. Garments can go through processes that negatively impact the environment, the animals and the people. If the damaging processes were broadcasted to you, would you want to wear that item?
By wearing accredited sustainable and ethical clothing made with organic materials, you are making a difference. By advocating with your purchasing vote for better quality clothing. Organic Crew evolved from passion and purpose. A passion to educate others on the importance of making ethical choices and a purpose to make a difference somewhere and somehow. It is our mission to encourage people to ask the questions “who made my clothes?”, “where did they come from?” and “what was used to make them?” With education and knowledge comes great power and we are committed to sharing our story with as many people as possible.
Wear the change you want to see. Wear your values.
]]>Cotton is the most widely grown and manufactured products on the planet. Conventional cotton uses roughly 16% of the world's insecticides and 7% of pesticides. Cotton blends with fabrics such as polyester, acrylic or nylon contain microplastics. Meaning your clothes are short lasting and exporting plastic toxins to your skin.
Organic cotton is grown sustainably and naturally, without the use of nasty toxins and are not non-genetically modified as conventional cotton can be. Farmers use fewer harming practices whilst farming organic cotton to improve the environment and in fact replenish its soil and biodiversity. Our cotton we use at Organic Crew is GOTS approved, a certified body that certifies only the highest quality of organic cotton production that does not negatively impact the environment or the people. Our cotton is grown in India on small plots that suit the best conditions for growth, in specific positions to ensure the right amount of sunlight and rain water is naturally achieved.
The benefits of organic cotton is extensive from the planet to yourself as an individual. Environmentally, organic cotton production is sustainable with the promotion of soil health and fertility. As well as much much less water usage than conventional cotton uses. Organic cotton is 100% biodegradable, so each garment will successfully compost in the soil with no traces left behind. Socially, choosing organic cotton improves the quality of life within communities to supply and manufacture cotton. The improvement of the environment also positively impacts communities and towns. Personally, organic cotton is extremely better for your skin, being 100% organic, this will not leave any toxins on your skin. Organic cotton is long lasting and our Organic Crew garments will last you years - not a season.
On this World Cotton Day, begin to think about the impacts of purchasing conventional cotton garments at low prices. And transition your thoughts to purchasing organic cotton to improve the quality of the environment, the people and yourself.
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The majority of our clothing is made locally in Melbourne. We produce high-quality garments with 100% GOTS approved organic cotton. There are no plastics or synthetic textiles in any of our clothing. We create softer garments that are better for the planet. Wherever possible, we produce locally to support the community businesses and to lessen transportation. Each item is made sustainably and ethically.
Our cashmere is sustainably sourced and produced in Nepal. Keeping the entire process with one certified supplier, using sustainable practices to ensure long product life. Our organic cotton jersey pyjamas are made sustainably in India. Each garment is made ethically by small communal manufacturers who create luxurious garments with no environmental or people compromise.
When you purchase from Organic Crew, you are supporting sustainable and ethical production of high quality loungewear for women. Prioritising the people and the planet to make a better place for our future.
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Shopping ethical is incredibly important for a series of reasons. Ethical companies ensure their production lines include quality working standards with acceptable wages and environments. Less is more, so by reducing the volume of garments in our production lines we deliver a key positive impact to shopping sustainably. There are less emissions from production and transportation. Shopping locally also improves on this, you support your local community by sourcing close to home.
Ethical sourcing and production reduces negative impact on the environment. Lower emissions and avoiding harsh chemical processes means there is no compromise on the planet or the animals. This links to our lifetime cycle of our clothes, in which they are 100% biodegradable. Our clothing has no plastics at all so can be buried and they will biodegrade and nourish the soil. This is why we dedicate ourselves to producing only ethical and sustainable garments.
Invest in organic, sustainable and ethical clothing that is long lasting and good for the people, the planet and the animals.
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Take a moment each day to slow down and reflect. As an ethically conscious organic apparel brand, Organic Crew is informed, involved, and making a difference. No matter how you choose to practice gratitude, any positive change is worthwhile; allowing us to enjoy optimum wellbeing while gaining resilience to manage the challenges life throws our way.
Practicing gratitude helps us to be better people, parents, lovers, friends, and colleagues. When we fill our daily cup, we are more willing and able to top up the cups of others. It is so important that you feel good. We know that it won’t take long before you notice an immense difference in how you feel day to day by making these simple commitments every morning.
Find a spare moment, whatever that means for you right now and select a daily ritual form the following pages. These are simple but powerful exercises that will focus your mind and energy in the right direction and set the tone for a day filled with the positivity, wonder and abundance you deserve.
Our Gratitude Journal includes a menu of morning rituals, so you can choose those which suit you and your lifestyle best, just as you would a piece from our latest collection. The only requirement from you is to open your heart and feel what rituals appeal most to you and practice them whenever you can.
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We oversee the entire production line to ensure a high standard of ethical and sustainable practices are maintained. The majority of our clothes are made locally here in Melbourne, supporting local workers and shortening production lines. Our organic cotton is GOTS certified, an internationally recognised organisation leading the processing standard for textiles made from organic fibres. They ensure the plants are grown organically and environmentally and socially responsible practices are implemented in both farming and the manufacture of the fabric.
The higher price of our elevated organic garments, is offset by the garment’s longer life and luxurious softness. More importantly, you are making the ethical consumer decision to promote sustainable production to improve the quality of our environment and the treatment of workers.
]]>Our production is ethical and fully transparent. Most of our product is manufactured locally in Melbourne, and the factories we use in India and Nepal are fully ethically certified, prioritising the people and the environment, to ensure we leave no mark.
Our cashmere is made in Nepal using a manufacturer fully involved through the entire process, from rearing the goats through to final production to ensure the entire process upholds sustainable and ethical practices. With climate change an environment under pressure and fast fashion infiltration, cashmere quality has significantly declined. As a result we find that cashmere quality has declined being rougher and are short lasting. Organic Crew’s cashmere is 100% pure with full transparency of cashmere production, ensuring high quality, long lasting luxurious clothing.
The cotton we use is 100% organic, and we oversee the entire production from seed to store ensuring sustainable and ethical practices. Our cotton is GOTS approved, which is recognised as the world’s leading processing standard for textiles. This ensures the plants are grown organically manufacturing is environmentally and socially responsible. Organic cotton is best for your body, with no microplastics or other toxins within the fabric to harm your skin. We also produce an organic cotton brushed fleece, for an extra soft touch.
Our cool wool is 100% organic Australian merino wool, both the yarn and product made sustainably here in Melbourne. All our organic yarn is manufactured with 100% organic ingredients and sustainable dyes only, in compliance with the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standards), and made sustainably and ethically locally.
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Our sleepwear collection ensures no nasties are placed near your skin while you sleep. 100% organic cotton is smooth, breathable, and warm on your skin. The fibre is longer than a conventional cotton, giving a luxuriously soft feel against your skin. Our organic sleepwear is long lasting, your pyjamas will last years, not just a season.
The production of our sleepwear is 100% ethical and sustainable, in which our suppliers and manufacturers are held to a high standard and pride themselves on lowering environmental and worker impacts. Choose sleepwear that is better for your skin, the people and the planet.
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Microplastics are a threatening issue to our planet. 60% of your clothes are made from plastics, including polyester, nylon and acrylic. This creates poor quality and short-lasting clothing, that are thrown away and result in landfill. 9% of the microplastics in the ocean are due to textiles and clothing*.
Our manufactures are held to a high standard to ensure the processes are environmentally friendly and our workers are treated ethically and experience a healthy workplace. Majority of our clothing is produced locally in Melbourne. All our suppliers promote responsible farming and are proud of their records in lowering the environmental impact. We are able to oversee the entire production line from seed to store, ensuring sustainable and ethical practices for the people and the planet.
On this World Environment Day, as consumers and producers, we can combat against plastic pollution in the fashion industry. Choosing sustainable clothing that will last and leave zero impact on the people and the environment. Collaborating to choose our planet, and fight for it’s health.
*https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/microplastics-long-legacy-left-behind-plastic-pollution
]]>When buying Organic Crew garments you can be confident they are made with 100% natural, organic yarns, fabrics and dyes and manufactured ethically and sustainably.
Our luxurious Cashmere garments are an investment for your wardrobe that you should have for years to come . They are made using premium high quality cashmere and our factory in Nepal complies with Internationally recognised standards such as a member of sustainabile fibre alliance and is Oeko Tex certified.
This factory directly oversees the processes undertaken by their farm supply partners. This includes combing , dehairing and spinning of the yarn which assures the highest quality yarn being sourced from farmers who adopt ethical farm practices . No animals are harmed in the making of our cashmere . It is a holistic approach with no compromise when it comes to people , the animals and our planet .
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On this International Women’s Day 2022, Organic Crew wants to recognise the work done by women to make our business great. Here in Australia, we value the role women play in every part of our supply chain. Locally, we work hard to make sure women are given the opportunities they deserve but this can be harder to achieve with our producers overseas.
So, we partner with Fairtrade because we know that they have systems in place to encourage female participation, decision making and empowerment in developing countries. As well as making sure the women farmers get paid fairly and are given a voice, they have specialised programs to encourage leadership by women.
Cotton is a heavily traded agricultural commodity with over 150 countries involved in exporting or importing it. It makes up nearly 30 percent of global production and has a history dating back over 8,000 years. Cotton also plays a major role in the economic and social development of developing and newly industrialised countries. It is an especially important source of employment and income in West and Central Africa, India, Pakistan and Central Asia. As many as 100 million rural households – 90 percent of them in developing countries – are directly engaged in cotton production, relying on it for their income.
For farmers, the challenges range from the impact of climate change, poor prices for seed cotton, through to competition from highly subsidised producers in rich countries and poor terms of trade. In particular, government subsidies for cotton farmers in rich countries, especially the US, create a market with artificially low prices that small-scale farmers are unable to compete in.
We are choosing to do business differently. We source Fairtrade cotton so we can be addressing these challenges directly and rigorously.
When women are empowered, the whole society benefits – less poverty, more food, more education. These are the cornerstone for why we choose Fairtrade and essential elements to a fairer world. A world we want to be part of. Thank you for helping make this future a reality.
]]>Mel Lechte is the type of woman who makes you genuinely inspired to lead a more conscious, ethical lifestyle. As a mum, a business owner and the co-founder of Melbourne-based apparel brand Organic Crew, Mel is a proponent for making better choices in everyday living, and with her locally and ethically-made collection of basics she has made it easy for others to do so.
We chatted to Mel about her journey in bringing Organic Crew to life, ethical choices and what makes living on the Mornington Peninsula special.
A few years ago I launched an organic juice brand and saw the movement towards organic in food and then skincare. The natural progression for me was apparel that is less toxic and mindfully manufactured; we wanted to create a brand that cares for the planet and the people.
The main difference is the use of chemicals in the production of cotton when not organic. These chemicals not only damage the environment (it's the second largest polluter globally) but also harm the workers that handle the materials and will also be absorbed into the skin of those that wear the garments. I had no idea when I started out that these chemicals absorb into the skin years later! The skin is the largest organ in the human body, it makes sense to wear organic. The other difference is the true cost of these mass produced items. When produced and sold at such a low cost, someone is suffering. We choose to produce ethically and our pricing reflects the true cost of quality, locally produced clothing.
Internationally I love what Emma Watson and Leonardo DiCaprio are doing to increase environmental awareness. I also really admire Stella McCartney who has created a monumentally successful brand that has ethics, always. Locally I love spending time with Aimee Marks who created TOM Organic, she is a pioneer in the organic space and a lovely, inspiring human!
I like to think always using the 80/20 rule and making a small difference where you can. Start by changing some food choices from mass produced processed food to more unprocessed, organic options. In this way, you are reducing your daily intake of chemicals. This adds up and makes a difference to your health and wellbeing. Organic really should be the norm and using chemicals in foods and clothing the very uncool option!
WHERE DO YOU LIVE IN MELBOURNE AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT IT?
I have just moved to a place called Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula. I absolutely adore being by the water. I feel like I am on a permanent holiday - It’s very relaxed, no traffic battles and I have all I need here. Life is great!
The wineries nearby in Red Hill or I’ll go to Volpino for a great gluten-free pizza.
Store 15 in Mornington for great coffee, amazing juices and stunning healthy food.
There is a new concept store in Mornington called Spa Co which has great clothing brands (including ours) and homewares, plus a cafe where I can grab a delicious juice or salad. The IGA in Dromana is a MUST too for grocery shopping. I have never seen a concept like this in Australia. It's quite theatrical - the way the shopping experience should be!
My walk along the beach track is my daily ritual that I will not miss! I take my dog Maggie and breathe in the salty air, I feel so lucky to live here. When you live down here a place like Tully's is a delight. It's like old school shopping in a big barn! Tully's has several different little businesses which offer amazing fresh produce, a juice bar, a cafe with great coffee and a florist to die for.
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Organic Crew was featured on The Green Hub, the ultimate online resource for smart, stylish eco-conscious urbanites.
Brought to you by Organic Crew
Lounging around in a certified organic tee and slacks on a lazy Sunday morning has never looked, or sounded, so good. And you can thank Organic Crew for that.
Their range of on-trend women’s luxury lounge basics comes at a time when we could almost declare Australian clothing manufacturing as a ghost of garments past. But alas, Organic Crew have resurrected hope that the local manufacturing scene is far from dead.
Using certified organic cotton, and manufactured right at home in Melbourne, it doesn’t come much more local than the likes of Organic Crew.
Organic Crew came about very, well, organically.
The two founders’, Mel Lechte and Bannie Williams, paths crossed while working for an organic cold pressed juice company.
Bannie recounts their story, “Mel was the Director of an organic cold pressed juice company and hired me to be their nutritionist. We had so many aligned passions and philosophies, we hit it off immediately. After Mel left the company to pursue the Organic Crew dream, I followed and we partnered.”
For too long, as consumers, we have been protected from witnessing the harmful side effects of our clothing addictions.
She continues, “The fast fashion industry is heavily saturated. Yet many people are unaware of the detrimental effect these garments have on the environment. Not to forget to mention the people who manufacture them too. Cheap clothing and their by-products pollute water and soil, as well as contribute to a devastating number of negative health outcomes. Not only is the garment quality poor, but it would no doubt have a cost to someone’s life, somewhere.”
Change can only come as more consumers are made aware of the reality of fast fashion. In turn, they will be able to make more educated and informed decisions about where they purchase their clothing from.
As daily challenges crop up in the running a new business, their inception has nonetheless been positive. Careful not to get swept up in the surreal experience of a successful launch, the ladies are keeping their feet firmly on the ground by reminding themselves of their intentions. It’s this passion to make a difference that keeps them grounded and focused.
Bannie explains, “We started Organic Crew because we believe it is possible to enjoy luxury, without compromising the environment or people in the process.”
Following the wise words of John Bell, Organic Crew encourages you to join the movement and to “Be informed, Be Involved and Make a Difference.”
]]>Every garment has a story. More than likely, it was made by a particular worker in a particular factory somewhere across the globe. But by who? And where? These are the questions a number of ethically conscious brands are encouraging consumers to ask.
For decades, many of us have taken for granted that our clothes appear on racks and are readily available for purchase in store and online. Fast fashion and current trends are at our finger tips and we all have certain expectations in regards to the quality. But what about expectations in regards to the environment they were manufactured made in? Would the desire to purchase a particular item still remain if people knew the truth about where and how it had been manufactured?
Organic Crew evolved from passion and purpose. A passion to educate others on the importance of making ethical choices and a purpose to make a difference somewhere and somehow. It is our mission to encourage people to ask the question “who made my clothes?” and “where did they come from?”. With education and knowledge comes great power and we are committed to sharing our story with as many people as possible.
We have taken the time, done our research and manufacture our garments in accordance with the highest of ethical standards. We refuse to compromise on quality and believe it is possible to enjoy luxury without compromising the people or the planet. We source our 100% organic certified cotton from India and it is then sent to Melbourne to be milled and sewn into our garments.
With this in mind, we are delighted to share images with you from a recent visit we made to our factory in Coburg, Melbourne. Below, we introduce you to the people who create the real magic for Organic Crew and the ones we value so highly.
David (pictured below), is the factory manager and the third generation of family who have worked in the factory now owned by his parents. David has memories of playing in the factory from the age of 10!
Filiz (pictured with David), has worked at the factory for 22 years! Filiz is (lovingly) hand sewing our striped lounging around pant.
Organic Crew has also recently been accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia, an accreditation body working collaboratively with local textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) companies to ensure their Australian supply chains are transparent and legally compliant. We couldn’t be prouder to have obtained this high level of accreditation.
To read more about the manufacturing process of our garments, please visit our Transparency Production page.
]]>WWF states that conventional cotton is responsible for a multitude of negative environmental impacts – including soil degradation, pollution through the use of pesticides and chemicals, and water contamination. Up to 7% of the workforce in developing countries can be attributed to cotton production, with human rights abuses in the industry widely known.
Which means? Conventional cotton is not only harmful to the environment in general, but to the quality of life for local communities. This is why we choose to use 100% GOTS certified organic cotton.
But what does it mean for cotton to be organic and why does it matter? In this piece, we break down exactly what organic cotton is and why making the switch from conventional cotton is the right choice.
.What you’ll find in this guide:
Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic pesticides, fertilisers, or synthetic chemicals. The seeds used to grow the cotton are also non-genetically modified, unlike conventional cotton.
Organic cotton farmers utilise less harmful farming practices that help support the natural environment – through prioritising and replenishing soil fertility and the biodiversity of the environment in which the cotton is grown (Textile Exchange Quick Guide to Organic Cotton, 2017).
Most organic Cotton – including the cotton we source at Organic Crew – is grown in India on small plots that suit the best conditions for growth. There are many that sit on hills to capture the right amount of sunlight and also rain water usage – organic cotton relies on rain water rather than irrigation like conventional cotton.
IFOAM Organics International describes organic agriculture as a: ‘production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people’. Organic cotton farming is done with the purpose of causing less harm to both the environment and the end consumer who wears or uses the cotton product.
Choosing organic cotton has a number of benefits – for the environment, for local communities, and for the end consumer when using the organic cotton product. Knowing these benefits can help you to make an informed choice when purchasing products made from cotton.
Environmental benefits
If you’ve read anything about cotton before, you might be wondering – is organic cotton good for the environment? There are a number of reasons organic cotton is better for the environment than conventional cotton:
Social benefits
Conventional cotton not only has a harmful effect on the environment, but on the farmers and manufacturers of the cotton fibre too. Certified organic cotton ensures that the people making the product are treated well and benefit from the production of the cotton fibre and fabric:
Personal benefits
And finally, what are the personal benefits for the end consumer? Aside from knowing you’re reducing your negative social and environmental impact there’s an added health benefit for you, too.
Many cotton products are worn or used directly on the skin. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and absorbs the materials and substances that you put on it. Conventional cotton crops are often exposed to hazardous pesticides and insecticides throughout the farming process, which is then transferred and absorbed by your skin when you wear it.
Using organic cotton products means avoiding exposing your skin to these harsh – and sometimes hazardous – chemicals.
Put simply, the difference between organic cotton and conventionally grown cotton is that conventional cotton is often sprayed with synthetic chemicals and pesticides, whilst organic cotton is not.
Organic cotton and conventional cotton also have some key differences when it comes to climate change and impacts on farmers and local communities: organic cotton has the potential to reduce blue water consumption by 91%, energy use by 62%, and negative effects on global warming by 46% (Textile Exchange Quick Guide to Organic Cotton, 2017).
Conventional cotton uses about 16% of the world's insecticides and 7% of pesticides (soilassociation.org) – organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture.
Organic cotton farming also ensures farmers are not exposed to toxic chemicals like they are in conventional cotton farming, whilst also contributing to better financial returns for farmers which supports local communities and economies. Local water sources are not negatively affected by any chemical contamination as they often are in the production of conventional cotton (Textile Exchange Organic Cotton Market Report, 2019).
Organic cotton is made through strict farming and production practices. It can take three years for a conventional cotton farm to finish the process of becoming certified organic.
For organic cotton to be certified organic according to Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), it must be grown and manufactured with naturally-derived pesticides and fertilisers, and not treated with synthetic chemicals.
Then, the processing and manufacturing must ensure no contamination with conventional (non-organic) fibres, along with a strict policy on the types of dyes/bleaches and other materials that the fibres are treated with. This extends to the materials used to create the cotton products.
There are also environmental standards that must be met, including (but not limited to) packaging materials, waste minimisation goals and procedures, and wastewater treatment.
GOTS also specifies strict social standards to be met to ensure there are absolutely no human rights being violated and that employment of all people involved in the cotton production process is chosen freely, appropriate working conditions are met, and living wages are paid.
In addition to being GOTS certified, Organic Crew apparel is accredited by Fair Trade for our Indian-manufactured garments and Ethical Clothing Australia for our Australian-made garments. This ensures that the people making our organic cotton products are fairly treated – the way they deserve to be.
The biggest organic cotton grower in the world is India, which was responsible for 47% of the world’s organic cotton farming in the 2017/18 harvest year. (Textile Exchange Organic Cotton Market Report, 2019). Following India in terms of cotton farming volume is China, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey.
While Australian farmers have attempted to grow organic cotton crops, it is typically not grown commercially in Australia due to it being deemed uneconomical – growing this crop here can be incredibly difficult as we do not have the right weather conditions or the volume of virgin land needed.
At Organic Crew, we source all of our organic cotton from ethically-accredited manufacturing facilities. Our founder Mel talks about where we source our organic cotton:
We like to source from cooperatives in India that support their local communities – so if a crop fails one year, the families are still supported. We partner with these cooperatives and visit them when we can. The difference we can make to an entire community by choosing organic cotton is so fulfilling.
Not only is organic better for the end consumers, it is better for the farmers and their families health. These cooperatives also fund local schools and supply much needed resources for the community. When we make in Australia, we source the yarn from India then knit it in mills here in Melbourne. Both practices follow the appropriate ethical accreditation for the country.
Conventional cotton is harmful for the environment, and for the wellbeing and rights of those who produce it. This is why choosing organic cotton is a no-brainer – you can purchase products with the same breathability and quality as conventional cotton, but with the added benefit of knowing you’re supporting local communities and the environment.
Organic cotton is also much better for your skin. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and absorbs everything you wear, so choosing organic cotton ensures you are not exposing your skin to harsh synthetic chemicals.
When purchasing organic cotton products, always look for the GOTS certification to ensure you are truly buying 100% organic. Organic Crew cotton apparel is created using 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, produced by makers who receive living wages in safe working conditions – ethically produced from seed to store.
]]>Upon my first visit to India, it became clear to me that as a brand owner, I could choose to do things a better way and by doing this, empower hundreds of people far less fortunate than us back here in Australia.
I visited India with Fair Trade and Ethical Clothing Australia in 2017 and it solidified my belief in only using ethically certified factories here in Australia and farms and factories in India. We travelled around India seeing first hand where our cotton is grown in organic farms, far away from toxic conventional cotton farms where crops are sprayed with harmful chemicals. The organic farmers use only natural deterrents like chilli, capsicum and garlic to keep the pests away. We also learnt that organic farms only rely on rain water – not irrigation so our organic cotton does not consume huge amounts of water, instead it relies on nature. The cotton farms are also supported by a co-operative which means that if the crop fails, the farmers still get support. I also saw first hand that many of the workers in the fields are women.
The farming co-operative we are choosing to support, Chetna Cooperative, is accredited by Fair Trade which means that the workers earn a living wage. They are supported in many ways and whilst I was there visiting, they were donating cookers to the workers to save time at night after a long day in the fields when they go home to cook for their families. We also visited a school that Chetna founded to allow the young girls to go right through school, a luxury in India not afforded to all. Seeing these girls dancing and smiling made my heart sing!
On my most recent trip to India in December, 2019, I again was lucky enough to travel with Fair Trade Australia. This time, I travelled with Clive Marriot who is a wealth of knowledge on both FT and organic materials and manufacturing. I started working with my manufacturing factory in Kolkata who are Fair Trade accredited and certified organic. We spent hours going through the working conditions with the management, visiting every factory floor, talking to the workers and listening to understand. There is also the difference between a living wage and a minimum wage, we seek to work with factories that pay a living wage and provide safe & excellent working conditions.
For years I have heard that the happiest people are the people on this planet with the least.. I can attest to this. The people I met whilst in India are the kindest, happiest and filled with so much love. It saddens me to think that so many businesses choose to exploit people in this country for monetary gain. I am of the belief that things will change and people will start to vote with their dollar, choosing to support brands that support the workers. I am incredibly proud to be accredited by Fair Trade whilst manufacturing in India as it ensures we stand by what we believe in. Traceability and transparency from seed to store is our mission.
Kindest, Mel x
Organic Crew Founder & Director
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