We’re breaking down regenerative and organic clothing, what it means, and which is a more sustainable option for consumers and society.
Many of the clothing items in our closets would not be possible without agriculture. Cotton, the most widely used natural fiber on the market, requires land, farmers, water, and other resources to become the clothing items we use. While natural fibers, like cotton, linen, and hemp, are considered to be more eco-friendly compared to synthetic fibers, the agricultural process behind clothing making greatly impacts how sustainable a piece of fabric is.
We’re breaking down regenerative and organic clothing, what it means, and which is a more sustainable option for consumers and society.
Many of the clothing items in our closets would not be possible without agriculture. Cotton, the most widely used natural fiber on the market, requires land, farmers, water, and other resources to become the clothing items we use. While natural fibers, like cotton, linen, and hemp, are considered to be more eco-friendly compared to synthetic fibers, the agricultural process behind clothing making greatly impacts how sustainable a piece of fabric is.
Regenerative Clothing
Regenerative clothing is coined due to the agricultural practices involved in the processing and making of clothing items. More of a growing agricultural movement, regenerative farming aims to fill in gaps where organic criteria fall short.
All natural fibers in clothing, like cotton and linen, begin as seeds and require resources to eventually become the clothing we wear. The agricultural process of making clothes can be taxing on the environment, including wildlife and soils. Regenerative practices aim to holistically nurture soils, improve water cycles, increase biodiversity, and protect human health while simultaneously reaping harvests.
Regenerative agriculture stems from indigenous practices and rituals still used today. The process of regenerative agriculture moves away from the current practices to solve environmental problems and to prevent worsening conditions in the future. Regenerative agriculture prioritizes environmental health and sustainability over high yields and profit.
For successful regenerative practices, every region or area will require a tailored approach depending on factors including climate, soil health, biodiversity, and so on.
Organic Clothing
Organic clothing is described by the agricultural practices surrounding its manufacturing. In order to market a clothing as organic, a brand must be able to prove certain criteria have been met. Some markers farmers need to present include the use of organic (non-GMO) seeds only and the need to ensure that pesticides and chemical fertilizers were not used in the production of their harvests.
Certified-organic brands and producers also focus on human welfare, encouraging improved working conditions that are safe for laborers with adequate pay. Since organic clothing must be labeled properly, farmers need to pay often hefty application fees and renewal fees to remain certified organic. The certification comes with strict criteria, but according to advocates for regenerative agriculture, not enough is done to promote soil health and overall carbon sequestration for the climate.
Which Is More Sustainable?
While regenerative crops do not hold certifications at this time compared to organic labels, it is argued that regenerative practices offer a more holistic and thorough process compared to organics. Regenerative farming practices aim to leave the land in a better condition than the previous cycle, whereas organic practices focus more on preventing damage but do little to restore soils or surrounding ecosystems.
Regenerative agriculture aims to restore soil and carbon balances to remove emissions from the atmosphere, whereas organic processes do not contain this as a criterion nor as a pillar of the practice. Another method regenerative agriculture prioritizes is no-tillage, whereas organic methods do not use this as criteria. Tillage is a standard practice that mixes the soil using machinery each grow cycle to aerate the soil and redistribute minerals and nutrients. However, this method also promotes soil erosion, loss of water, and overall damage to soils over time.
While organic methods are more eco-friendly and sustainable compared to conventional methods, there are gaps in overall soil and environmental health that organic practices are not covering. Regenerative agriculture aims to utilize organic methods but does them in a way that improves their efficiencies and fills in gaps where needed.
Thus, regenerative farming is arguably a more sustainable option, yet it does not offer certifications that hold the same economic weight or public perception as organic farming has. Regenerative farming prioritizes overall environmental health, whereas organic farming seeks profit over filling any substantial gaps in agricultural practices that may be damaging long term.
Key Takeaways
- Regenerative agriculture uses organic methods in a way that fills gaps in effectiveness. The process aims to restore soil health, sequester carbon, and eliminate the usage of tillage machinery.
- All organic fibers used in clothing begin with an agricultural process, and depending on the type of materials created, some processes may be more sustainable than others. Continually, regenerative agriculture is a more sustainable option compared to organic farming and other traditional methods.
- Between both regenerative and organic process methods, we find viable and efficient farming methods, allowing for the creation of sustainable yet high-quality products.
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