Green Daily

Chances are, you're wearing something made of cotton right now. The sad thing is, if it is cotton that has been grown and harvested in the conventional method, it required the use of enormous amounts of pesticides, which is not only bad for the environment, but presents some serious health risks for the workers.

Unintended guilt trip aside, the much greener alternative -- organic cotton -- is becoming more popular these days with large retail chains like Wal-Mart carrying organic cotton lines of clothing. But what is it exactly that makes this organic cotton better? Is it yet another item with the buzzword "organic" thrown in to sell more product? Nope, not at all. Besides helping the environment, there are other benefits such as better working environments for those farm workers who would ordinarily be exposed to some of the most harmful pesticides in the world. Consumers benefit too, some suggest that organic cotton products are softer and easier on your skin. Recent awareness of these benefits has increased demand of organic cotton and thus, lowered its cost.