Zuri Organic Apparel

Why Organic?

What difference can you make by choosing organic cotton?

Conventional cotton farming is one of agriculture's most environmentally destructive activities. It takes an enormous toll on the earth's air, water, and soil, and significantly affects the health of people living in cotton growing areas.

A typical conventional cotton t-shirt uses about 150 grams of acutely toxic pesticides and insecticides; that's the size of a cup of sugar. (source: Soil Association). An organic garment uses none. Organic farming methods benefit farmers and their communities by:

  • preventing and reducing farmer debt
  • improving food stability for farmers as a result of crop rotation
  • preventing pollution of the water table
  • preventing potential fatal pesticide poisoning of farmers and their families
  • improving and maintaining biodiversity

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Organic? How can you be sure?

Our organic cotton garments are certified by a leading independent certification agency.

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Are our organic t-shirts also fair trade?

All our organic t-shirts are sourced in accordance with fair trade principals. The farmers are paid a premium for their cotton and a number of social projects are taking place within the community to ensure that the benefits of the additional income are felt by all members of the community.

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What does having an organic tag on my wash care label mean?

The organic tag stands for:

  • Comfortable, durable and well-made clothing - made with the best quality cotton and manufactured to the highest standard. Nothing gets the organic tag until it passes our stringent quality control.
  • Minimum environmental impact - we work hard to minimise our environmental footprint - everything from the textiles we use (organic cotton) to the processes involved in making our clothing is put to the environmental footprint test - if we think it's leaving too big a footprint then its doesn't past the test and doesn't get the organic tag.

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How can you have different colors if it’s organic?

Ecru is the natural color of cotton, however there are a range of t-shirts available in a number of other colors. These colors are available in fabric dyes that meet the requirements of the Global Organic Standard. A large number of inputs are prohibited in the Global Organic Standard these include; amine-releasing azo dyes, aromatic solvents, phenols, short-chain aldehydes, GMO’s, halogenated solvents, heavy metals and flourcarbones.

The Global Organic Standard also has strict requirements concerning the management of waste water from dyeing facilities. All dyeing facilities must have a waste-water treatment plant which meets the standards laid out for the quality of water discharged from the facility.

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How do I know that our Organic shirts are made under ethical working conditions?

Our supply chain is audited against the Global Organic Standard, this standard includes an audit against social criteria, the scope of this social audit includes checking for the following:

  • Employment is freely chosen
  • Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
  • Working conditions are safe and hygienic
  • Child labour is not used
  • Living wages are paid
  • Working hours are not excessive
  • No discrimination is practised
  • Regular employment is provided
  • No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed

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What's the environmental impact once you've got the T-Shirt?

Many people don't realise that a garment can continue to impact on the environment once you own it. The amount of energy used to wash clothing, the impact of chemical detergents on the environment and the volume of water used, all add up each time you wash your item of clothing. Doing simple things can have a positive impact. Washing clothes in hot water uses excess energy, while washing in warm or even cold water reduces energy use and can be equally effective. Use eco-friendly detergents, they work wonderfully and are better for you and the environment.

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