Gramicci believes in the simple action of just "Starting Somewhere" towards helping save and sustain our worlds diminishing natural resources. If you visit the Start Somewhere area on our web site, you will learn more about some remarkable change makers and organizations that may resonate and compell you to start somewhere. About 40% of all Gramicci clothing is now made with organic or recycled materials. We call this Greenicci - a small part of a growing movement of manufacturers that are taking action to reduce their impact on the planet. Greenicci represents our "start somewhere." One step at a time, little by little, we do more and more each season to further reduce our negative impact on the environment.
WHY IS ORGANIC COTTON BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT THAN CONVENTIONALLY GROWN COTTON?
Cotton grown in the conventional manner contributes to the poisoning of soil and waterways around the world. Cotton represents roughly 20% of the world's crops, while it consumes 80% of the world's pesticides. Pesticides are not only harmful to the environment, but also to the people who come in contact with them. Each kilo of ordinary cotton is sprayed with eight grams of pesticides during its growth. Ethyl parathion (which is sometimes fatal after inhaling only .02 grams) is the most widely used pesticide. One conventional cotton t-shirt contains two grams of this pesticide as well as other pesticides while at the same time one t-shirt applies one-third of a pound of these toxic pesticides to the earth's soil & waterways.
When cotton is grown organically, it is grown with the aid of organic fertilizer and natural pesticides. Sustainable and organic growing methods support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, improving the quality of the soil, using less water and helping to prevent groundwater pollution. Organic cotton also has longer & stronger fibers because it has not been broken down by chemicals. This helps make organic cotton clothing last longer and look nicer than regular cotton. You can wash and dry organic cotton just like you would regular cotton. If you apply a lot of heat to regular or organic cotton it starts to show wear and tear faster. Go easy on the garment & the environment by drying low or hang to air dry.
When purchasing organic cotton products it is important to note if the product is certified by an industry standard certification. Gramicci's organic cotton yarn is certified by SKAL Certified.
WHAT IS THE PRICE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORGANIC COTTON & CONVENTIONALLY GROWN COTTON?
If a conventionally grown cotton t-shirt is $10 dollars, then the organic cotton t-shirt would be about $13 dollars. Since organically grown cotton does not use toxic pesticides the yield per hectacre is usually lower and the harvest is more labor intensive because the cotton balls are picked by hand.
As organic cotton sales increase, prices are dropping. Are you willing to pay a few dollars more to avoid the use of toxic pesticides which are harming people as well as the environment? Your purchase of organic cotton products does make a difference!
Gramicci has made organic clothes more affordable while raising the quality. We have blended all organically grown Hemp with organic cotton and by doing so have been able to offset the higher price of organic cotton and design clothing that wears longer and cares better because hemp is a more durable yarn.
HOW IS HEMP A SUSTAINABLE FIBER?
Courtesy of the Hemp Industries of America.
For more information please visit: www.thehia.org
Hemp is one of the most ecologically sustainable crops to grow, requiring little to no pesticides and herbicides. Every part of the crop is used to make a large variety of products. The bast fiber is used to make textiles, cords, netting & carpeting. The woody core is used to make building materials, industrial products & paper products. The hemp seed is used for animal seed & protein rich flour. The hemp nut is used in foods such as bread, granola, milk, and other products. The hemp oil is used for foods, body care and technical products such as oil paints & solvents.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HEMP CLOTHING?
In addition to being an environmentally friendly product, hemp fabric offers superior qualities such as UV resistance, antibacterial properties, breathability, strength & endurance.
SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT HEMP:
Industrial hemp varieties of the cannabis plant, also referred to as "fiber" or "low-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)" hemp, should not be confused with psychoactive "marijuana" varieties of the plant. In fact, they are quite distinct varieties or breeds of the same plant species, much like a St. Bernard and a Chihuahua are very different varieties of the same canine species. It is not possible to get "high" from hemp.
In spite of this, the DEA continues to intentionally confound non-psychoactive hemp varieties of cannabis with psychoactive marijuana varieties. The U.S. is the only major industrialized nation to prohibit the growing and processing of hemp. However, non-viable hemp seed, oil and fiber are all currently legal for trade in the U.S., and domestic industry has continued to support hemp products. Industry estimates put the total North American retail market for hemp products at approximately $150 million for 2002.
With thirty-one other nations growing industrial hemp and the U.S. representing the largest consumer and industrial market for their hemp products, we are poised to take advantage of an unprecedented opportunity. Americans are becoming aware of the significant possibilities and benefits that hemp presents. Vote Hemp!
To learn more: www.VoteHemp.com
GRAMICCI'S RECYLED & SUSTAINABLE BUTTONS
Gramicci has now started using buttons made from recycled & sustainable materials starting with the Spring 2009 collection. Look for the recycled button symbol under the garment features for all Greenicci styles as well as other select styles throughout the line. The recycled buttons are made from recycled wood, recycled cotton, recycled polyester, and recycled hemp. The buttons made from natural materials are the 100% bamboo buttons.