charsuewilson

<arsenic is="" organic,="" and="" used="" in="" organic="" farming<arsenic="" farming="">
"</arsenic>arsenic is organic, and is used in organic farming"<arsenic is="" organic,="" and="" used="" in="" organic="" farming<arsenic="" farming="">

As a chemist, I know that arsenic is inorganic element, although there have been both inorganic arsenical and organic arsenical pesticides. To be organic, the chemical must contain carbon, so an organic arsenical must also contain carbon. "Organic" farming is something different. Someone else has posted links to information on organic farming.</arsenic>

tropit

Dear Peckish,

Please, I didn't mean to offend you with my word, "Rumor." I apologize. When I was manufacturing swimwear, bamboo fabrics had just hit the market and the talk about it really were rumors at that point and time. I had a friend that was producing lingerie and she did so much research on bamboo. She never did come to any conclusions about the fiber. It was all so mind boggling! I'm just trying to sort things out. I'll definitely read your information. Thanks for all of the links.

~ Cindy

nanibi

Just checked on eQuilter.com--they have a sizable collection of organic fabrics, at 8.50-12.50/yard. They do go on sale, too, mixed in with the regular fabrics. Also, just recently noticed that a lot of Kaufman Kona solids are dyed according to Oeko-tex Standard 100 which (I believe I read) creates less environmental havoc. [disclaimer: I have referred fairly often to eQuilter in my posts--no financial interest! I just like the company.]

tessagin

I'm allergic to dyes in clothes but those are the dyes that come off the clothes as you wear them. Those are the really cheap dyes from out of country I've found. When I bring home fabric it goes immediately into the washer. I do have to tell you one day I was at JoAnn's and as I was standing there a woman whipped out her cologne and used it. She got it on her hands and then proceeded to wipe her hands on the fabric. The dye came off on her hands and she complained to the management. I looked at her and thought the dye was just getting back at her. The manager said they would have to cut that part of the fabric and sell it on discount or send it back. She thought they should do something because she might be allergic to the dye. Idiot.

alisonquilts

I am glad you started this topic, tropit.

I am sorry you started this topic, tropit!

I am thoroughly conflicted about "organic" and would like to bury my head in my stash for the next fifty years while it is all sorted out. So far I have never sought out or bought organic fabric, thread or batting. For a while I bought organic food...until I became aware that organic food often had a carbon footprint of astronomic proportions and that some unscrupulous stores sold food as "organic" that was conventional...But I also hate to support Monsanto and their ilk...but I hate to pay a lot for groceries. Did I mention that I am conflicted?

I considered bamboo batting for a couple of projects, but balked at the price, and then felt guilty for balking at the price! Occasionally I assuage my (general) guilt by telling myself that at least some of the time I am using scraps; that even if the original fabric was produced using unfair labor practices, or environment-destroying chemical processes, that by using scraps or recycled fabric I have somewhat mitigated the original menace. But then I remember that I am producing yet more "stuff" in a world drowning in "stuff", and I am plunged into ambivalence again...

Sorry tropit. Not a very constructive post. But I am very glad that someone is raising these issues, and in a constructive, positive, helpful way! I do think about this. I just don't know how to act on it yet.

Alison-The-Ambivalent

rebeljane

Ordinary or organic - to me it doesn't matter at all

tropit

Ha! Ha! I had to laugh when I read your post. I agree with you wholeheartedly! (Sorry for responding late. I was pre-occupied over the long weekend.)

The way that I see it for myself, is that it's all, "shades of grey." If I can buy organic and I know that it makes a difference in the environment and/or my personal well being, then I will. If I recycle fabrics, then that's good too. If I can keep hazardous dyes, finishes, pesticides, GMOs, etc. out of the ecosystem in some sort of small way, then I've at least, done something. For me, it's not all, or nothing...just mini steps.

I wanted to open this thread up, not to preach, but to find resources for organic products, fabrics, etc. It's just one of my own, "mini steps." The more I know and the more resources that I have...well...all the better.

~ Cindy

tropit

Thanks Nanibi,

I'm off to check them out.
~ Cindy

Alberta_Irish

Just checking out this thread because, while yes I might prefer organic, it's actually more important to me that it be fair trade. I don't want to find out that my fabric (or the cotton it was produced from) was made in sweat shops in China or by child slave labour in Africa. And, just because it's a North American company doesn't mean the fabric is manufactured or the cotton produced here. <sigh> It can get very complicated to try and live ethically. Short of contacting all of the major fabric manufacturers, I'm not sure how to find this out.</sigh>

ManiacQuilter2

I have never had a reaction to fabric. I have always had to watch for sales to add to my stash so my concern is more with the price of yardage then chemicals used in the printing. I would assume if I was, I wouldn't ever buy any of the beautiful batiks. I assume they have been heavily treated with chemicals.

Thanks for opening this interesting discussion Cindy!!