The Best Organic Cotton Towels for Your Eco-friendly Bathroom
While every household has towels, it’s not something the average consumer thinks much about.
However, maybe it’s time to change that as cotton has been reffered to as the “World’s dirtiest crop”, due to high amounts of pesticides, fertilizers, and water when grown conventionally.
Since cotton is in such high demand all over the world, promoting a cleaner alternative that is sustainably grown, processed, and manufactured is incredibly important.
This is where “organic cotton” comes into the picture. Let’s explore the sustainability of organic cotton, impact of these products in our home, and some eco-friendly organic towel brands to try out.
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What is the Difference Between Organic and Conventional Cotton?
Contrary to most people’s understanding, there are stark differences between organic cotton and conventional cotton.
These translate not only into impacts on the environment where the cotton plant is grown, the health of those working at factory where the product is made, and the health of the end consumer.
Environmental Impacts of Organic Cotton Vs. Conventional Cotton
How Conventional Cotton is Grown
Conventional cotton is mostly grown from genetically modified seeds (GMO). These seeds make the cotton plants resistant to pests. However, when the pest attack comes, it creates a more vigorous and dangerous impact.
To counter these powerful pest attacks, high amounts of pesticides and insecticides are applied to the cotton plant.
These chemicals can leach into the soil, change the soil structure, and contaminate the groundwater. Since conventional cotton is grown on the same land, cycle after cycle, without giving the land rest or any chance to replenish its nutrients.
This can lead to the land becoming barren after few cycles.
How Organic Cotton is Grown
Organic cotton has a much lower environmental footprint than conventional cotton.
The organic farming methods of cotton uses natural fertilizers and pesticides that are derived from plants, animals, and minerals.
These biodegrade easily and do not cause much damage even if it reaches the groundwater or rivers. Most organic cotton is grown on small farms in rotation. They are mostly rain-fed and do not use GMO seeds.
With all these natural methods, the soil and cotton crop are much healthier than conventionally grown cotton.
Health Impacts of Organic Cotton vs. Conventional Cotton Products
The greater use of pesticides in conventional cotton plants leaves residues on the fiber which makes its way into the fabric. This can often cause skin irritation and other problems. Using organic cotton reduces your exposure to these poisonous chemicals. It’s also important to consider that this reduces the farmer & factory workers exposure to chemicals as well. Organic is cleaner for the entire supply chain.
Conventional cotton found in traditional towels marketed as “antimicrobial” or “antiwrinkle” is usually saturated with formaldehyde. Other chemicals like phthalates, ammonia, and heavy metals are also used to process conventional cotton. The dyes used can cause skin irritation especially when there is friction created between the fabric and skin. Organic cotton ensures that toxic chemicals are not used during the processing of the fabric. Low impact, non-toxic, and fiber-reactive dyes are used to dye organic cotton.
Organic cotton is also softer and more durable than conventional cotton because of its long fibers. This is mostly because organic cotton is handpicked ensuring that the fibers are not weakened.
Why is it Important to Choose Organic Cotton Products in Our Homes?
Organic cotton has a look and feel that stands miles apart from conventional cotton.
Most of the cotton products seen widely in our homes are used at our most vulnerable times.
These include bedsheets for sleeping, table cloths for eating, and towels for bathing.
Using organic fabric is also deemed necessary if you have babies or children.
It would not go down well if you expose their sensitive skin to all the nasties that conventional cotton fabric comes with!
Currently, only 1% of the cotton grown in the world is grown organically. As demand influences supply, opting for organic cotton products would increase the production of organic cotton overtime. You can also keep in mind that when you pay a little extra money for organic cotton products, not only are you are not paying for the better quality of cotton but also for water conservation, cleaner air, and better livelihoods.
Why Use Organic Cotton Bath Towels?
Bathing towels are an article that a person uses at least once every single day (possibly even twice a day).
Hence, making sure that they are of good quality is of the utmost importance. As stated above organic cotton is free of harmful chemicals and these high quality and crafted to last.
Plus, a soft absorbent towel can elevate your mood and make your daily shower a great experience.
When shopping for new bath towels be sure to look for 100% organic cotton or conventional cotton towels, if you so choose, because sometimes cotton can be mixed with synthetic fibers.
7 Bath Towel Brands Using Organic Cotton
As it can be a bit daunting to find places to purchase organic cotton bath towels, we have put together a list to make your shopping easier.
These are some of our top picks for organic cotton bath towels, hand towels, and more.
These sustainable brands make some of the best organic bath towels and I've even tried a few of these towels myself!
Shop for Towels in Person at West Elm
West Elm has a wide range of organic cotton towels featuring quick-drying towels, spa towels, Turkish towels, and more.
West Elm is a great choice because conscious consumer can go to the store and feel the various towels to figure out the typic of fabric and weight towel for them.
I was gifted a set of West Elm's organic cotton towels for our wedding and we've sincerely enjoyed them. The set included bath towels, face towels, and hand towels. They were a huge upgrade from our old towels and I can feel confident using them because they're made with 100% GOTS certified cotton.
West Elm’s towels range from $19-$150.
PACT's Organic Home Goods
PACT's organic cotton towels are ethically made in Fair Trade Certified factories using 100% pure organic cotton Terry. The waffle texture of the towels makes them light, soft, and quick-drying.
These waffle towels feature a clean finish hem for a modern look and come in different colors including charcoal, indigo, sea glass, white, and more.
Their towels range from $30 for a wash cloth set to $140 for an eight piece full set. Ethical shoppers can also discover their bath sheet, organic cotton sheets, and other sustainable home goods.
Fair Trade Towels at Fair Prices by SÕL Organics
SOL Organics believes in providing fair trade at a fair price. This brand is focused on creating a great value while educating consumers on the environmental impact of organic cotton versus it's conventional counterpart.
The organic cotton used in the SÕL organics cotton towels is grown, woven, and sewn in India. Their cotton towels are made with longer cotton fibers which translate to stronger, finer, and smoother yarn.
They use GOTS-certified cotton and low-impact organic dyes to dye their towels. SOL Organics towels range from $15 wash clothes to $100+ sets.
The Plush Towel from Delilah Home
Plush organic cotton towels from Delilah Home, are made with 100% organic Turkish cotton.
These towels are manufactured from Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton in a family-run factory in Portugal where the workers make above fair trade wages.
Although lightweight, these towels are durable and 50% thicker than most towels.
Their towels can be purchased in packs of two or in a 3-6-piece set. Their packs and sets range from $20-$200. Ethical shoppers can also find organic cotton beach towels at Delilah Home!
Boll & Branch Fair Trade Organic Cotton Bath Towels
Boll & Branch uses cotton that is GOTS Certified Organic, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified, and Fair Trade Certified Cotton. This ensures that the farmers who grow the organic cotton are also treated and paid fairly.
Boll & Branch's towels are ethically made allowing conscious consumers to feel confident purchasing their towels.
Ethical shoppers can choose from different styles such as waffle towels or plush towels.
Velvety soft and free from pesticides or irritating chemicals, they are available in different neutral colors.
Their sustainable bath towels range from $28-$168.
Shoppers can also find organic cotton bath mats , shower curtains, robes and other bathroom accessories to create a spa-like experience in your very own bathroom.
Public Goods' Affordable Organic Towel Set
Soft and super absorbent Turkish cotton towels from Public Goods come as a deluxe three-size set. With a washcloth, hand towel, and bath towel, the Public Goods $40 towel set will have you fully covered.
Woven from the best cotton in the Aegean region, these towels get better with every wash.
These organic products are made without harmful chemical treatments, synthetic fertilizers nor pollutant dyes, so everything is safe on your skin and environmentally friendly.
The white towels create a clean & modern look for your bathroom.
White & Green's Luxurious Towels
White & Green is a family run company working to bring organic into consumer's homes. This transparent brand sells organic, fair trade bedding, towels, baby clothes, and other home products.
Through their sales, White & Green is also educating consumers on the importance of organic goods in the home.
I have personally used White & Greens organic cotton towels and really love the feel! They've also held up very well over time.
Their organic cotton towels range from $18-$97. Use the code HONESTCONSUMER for 15% off your purchase from White & Green.
Hopefully this guide helped provide some direction for the next time you're looking to purchase new towels. Organic cotton towels are a great place to start creating a sustainable bathroom & an easy way to reduce the carbon footprint your bathroom has.
Meet the Author
Anamika is a scientist by day and a freelance writer by night! She is a researcher with a background in Forest Sciences with strong interests in sustainability. She is currently pursuing her PhD from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and writes blogs related to sustainability and the environment in her free time. Learn more from Anamika on LinkedIn.
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