As parents, we all want the best for our children, and that includes their school uniform. School uniform is a necessity for many of us, but with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right items. Many parents choose organic because it rightly seems appealing, as it aims to reduce the use of harmful pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and fertilisers. Unfortunately, there is evidence that the certification of organic cotton is often falsified.

Our supplier, One+All has said: “Despite organic cotton farms being certified, many farmers actually grow conventional cotton, as the yields and profits are bigger. The result is the availability of organic cotton remains limited. We’re also aware of problems with certification, which we believe could be much more transparent and rigorous. The organic cotton initiative focuses on the final product, with less regard for the people in the supply chain.”

One+All Schoolwear have chosen to join Better Cotton. But what is Better Cotton?

Better Cotton is a global sustainability program that works to improve cotton farming practices worldwide. It is a voluntary program that provides training and resources to cotton farmers to help them reduce their environmental impact, use water more efficiently, and improve working conditions for workers. The program is based on three core principles: environmental sustainability, social sustainability, and economic sustainability.

Why is Better Cotton a better choice for school uniforms?

While organic cotton is supposedly grown without synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, Better Cotton offers a more holistic approach to sustainability. Better Cotton certified items are made from cotton that has been grown using more sustainable farming practices, such as reducing water use, conserving soil health, and reducing the use of harmful chemicals. In addition, the Better Cotton program works to improve the lives of cotton farmers and workers, ensuring they are paid fairly and have safe working conditions.

The benefits of Better Cotton certified school uniforms include:

Reduced environmental impact
Better Cotton farming practices help to reduce water use and conserve soil health. This has a positive impact on the environment by reducing the use of harmful chemicals and promoting more sustainable agricultural practices.

Improved social sustainability
The Better Cotton program ensures that cotton farmers and workers are paid fairly and have safe working conditions. This means that by choosing Better Cotton certified school uniforms, you are supporting ethical and fair trade practices.

Economic sustainability
Better Cotton farming practices are more efficient, which can lead to increased crop yields and better profits for farmers. This means that by choosing Better Cotton certified school uniforms, you are supporting a more sustainable and profitable cotton industry.

While organic cotton seems like a good choice for those looking to reduce their exposure to synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, Better Cotton certification offers a more comprehensive approach to sustainability. By choosing Better Cotton certified school uniforms, you are not only supporting more sustainable farming practices but also promoting fair trade and economic sustainability.