|
ORGANIC |
CONVENTIONAL |
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 mono- crop culture, intensive irrigation. |
weed control: |
Healthy soil creates natural balance. Beneficial insects and trap crops used. |
Aerial spraying of insecticides and pesticides. Nine of the most commonly used pesticides are known cancer-causing agents. |
harvesting: |
Natural defoliation from freezing temperatures or through the use of water management. |
Defoliation induced with toxic chemicals. |
production: |
Warp fibers stabilized using double-plying or nontoxic cornstarch. |
Warp fibers stabilized using toxic waxes. |
whitening: |
Safe peroxide is used. |
Chlorine bleaching creates toxic by-products, which are released into the environment. |
finishing: |
Soft scour in warm water with soda ash, for a pH of 7.5 to 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 containing heavy metals and sulfur. |
printing: |
Low-impact, water-based inks and/or pigments with no heavy metals. |
Pigments may be petroleum based and contain heavy metals. Run-off spills into waterways, polluting streams. |
fair trade: |
Social criteria in place to ensure safe, healthy, non-abusive, nondiscriminatory environment with living wages. |
No social screening. Possible child or forced labor used. Facilities may be unsafe and unhealthy. |
marketing: |
Positive story can be told to differentiate you from your competitors. |
None. As awareness of organic advantage expands, increased potential for negative image. |
price: |
Initial cost more expensive. Long-term advantages: priceless. |
Initially cheaper. Long-term impact on environment: devastating. |
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