At Manuka Baby we believe natural fibres are best for precious newborn babies, Merino Wool, 100% Wool, Organic Cotton, Cotton Elastane and combinations of these.
We at Manuka Baby treasure babies and are committed to preserving nature for our future generations by offering a natural alternative. Dimples Organics are made from 100% natural fibres, baby will benefit from the purity of organically produced yarn.
You can be confident you are making an eco-friendly choice with Dimples Organic Cotton. The cotton is grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides and is processed according to strict GOTS (formerly SKAL) International Standards for sustainable textile production (this means that all organic production processes from the farm to the yarn are inspected and certified).
The cotton dyes used meet the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification and are approved by the Institute for Market ecology (IMO). Dye processes are formaldehyde free and do not use solvents.
Attributes of Cotton
Cotton is a natural fibre, therefore it naturally ventilates. It absorbs body moisture and evaporates it to the surrounding air, thus allowing Baby’s body its natural tendency to breathe - keeping Baby cool in summer and dry and warm in winter. So, not only are babies more comfortable in cotton, they are healthier wearing it!
Cotton is hypoallergenic; this means it doesn't irritate sensitive newborn skin or cause allergies.
Why Choose Organic Cotton?
It is widely known that pesticides used on 'conventional' cotton increasingly threaten people, wildlife and ultimately, upset the fine balance of our environment. Most pesticides were originally developed as toxic nerve agents during WWII; it is not surprising they have been linked to many forms of cancers.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers 7 of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton as "known" human carcinogens (agents directly involved in the promotion of cancer).
Conventionally-grown cotton occupies only 3% of the world's farmland, but uses 25% of the world's chemical pesticides.
It is estimated that less than 10% of the chemicals applied to cotton accomplish their task, the rest are absorbed into the plant, air, soil, water and ultimately and eventually, our bodies. Airborne toxic chemicals drift into surrounding neighbourhoods, poison farm workers and their families (There are innumerable known cases of serious pesticide-related health problems, including birth defects, long-term memory loss, paralysis and death), contaminate air, ground and surface water and cause major eco-system imbalances.
A 1993 EPA study estimated that one to two million birds are killed annually by carbofuran, just one insecticide used on cotton! This is only one of many disturbing effects on our wildlife.
Other ‘nasties’ involved with the production of conventional cotton:
- toxic herbicides
- fungicides
- defoliants
- chlorine bleach
- heavy metal dyes
- formaldehyde resins
- silicone based softeners
- optical whiteners
- azo dyes
- petroleum scours
- silicon waxes
Some of these chemicals are left as residues in conventional produced cotton garments. Of these, some are said to cause burning eyes, nose, and throat, along with difficulties with sleep, concentration, and memory retention (not to mention increased susceptibility to cancer).
Benefits of Organic Cotton;
A field must be pesticide-free for at least three years to be certified organic, and the cotton must be processed according to international organic standards. This means that organic cotton is grown in rich, fertile soil which is healthy and ‘unstressed’ due to the absence of chemical applications.
Organic cotton is grown with natural fertilizers and is free from toxic chemicals.
Some of the benefits of organic cotton are:
- Organic farmers rely on crop rotation to replenish and maintain soil fertility. This type of ‘manual farming’
leaves a lower carbon footprint as the entire process consumes less fuel and energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases.
- Not from genetically modified cottonseed.
- Grown with natural rather than synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, no chemical defoliants used.
- The processing of the cotton is ‘Eco-friendly’. This means that it does not compromise workers' health and
helps reduce water and electric use (lower carbon footprint) and toxic runoff, e.g. non-chlorine bleach,
silicon-free softeners and low impact, azo-free dyes.
- Strict testing ensures the ‘nasty’ contaminants as previously mentioned are absent from production
- Babies with allergies and chemical sensitivity especially benefit from organic cotton clothing as garments do
not retain harmful toxic residues. Even if baby does not suffer from allergies, the purity of organic cotton
can be felt in its softness…the ultimate fibre for a baby's delicate skin.
By dressing baby in Dimples Organic cotton, you can rest assured knowing you have made an informed, healthy, social and environmentally friendly decision.
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