Organic vs. Conventional: We Have a Choice
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Organic
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Conventional
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| Seed Preparation: | Natural untreated GMO free seeds. | Typically treated with fungicides or insecticides. Possible GMOs. | |
| Soil Preparation: | Healthy soil through crop rotation. Retains moisture in soil from increased organic matter. | Synthetic fertilizers, loss of soil due to monocrop culture, intensive irrigation. | |
| Weed control: | Healthy soil creates natural balance. Beneficial insects and trap crops used. | Aerial spraying of insecticides and pesticides. 9 of the most commonly used pesticides are known cancer-causing agents. | |
| Harvesting: | Natural defoliation from freezing temperatures or through the use of water | Defoliation induced with toxic chemicals. | |
| Production: | Warp fibers stabilized using double plying or non-toxic cornstarch. | Warp fibers stabilized using toxic waxes. | |
| Whitening: | Safe peroxide is used. | Chlorine bleaching creates toxic bi-products which are released into the environment. | |
| Finishing: | Soft Scour in warm water with soda ash for a PH of 7.5-8. | Hot water, synthetic surfactants, additional chemicals (sometimes formaldehyde). | |
| Dyeing: | Low-impact fiber-reactive or natural dyes with low metal and sulfur content. | High temperature with heavy metals and sulfur content. | |
| Printing: | Low-impact or natural pigments with no heavy metals. | Heavy metals in pigments run off into waterways polluting streams. | |
| Marketing: | Positive story can be told to differentiate you from your competitors. | None. As awareness of organic advantage expands, potential for negative image. | |
| Price: | Initial cost more expensive. Long term advantages priceless. | Initially cheaper. Long- term impact on environment devastating. |
