Purity of H&M Organic Clothing Under Fire

H&M the high street clothing chain, have come under fire for reports that their eco conscious organic clothing may be contaminated with GM strains of Cotton from India.

According to German Independent lab Impetus, roughly a third of cotton samples tested contained genetically modified cotton. This was traced back to India, which is responsible for more than half of the global supply of organic cotton which is used by H&M and many other clothing manufacturers worldwide.

Monika Buening of the Federal Consumer Affairs Agency has said that although H&M are not to blame directly they should have been more vigilant. This is an issue now for the entire organic cotton industry and will need to be addressed by all manufacturers in order to retain confidence of the market. buyOrganics will be issuing requests to all its organic clothing suppliers requesting further information and clarification on the matter. This may involve checking samples from other labs to substantiate whether the claims are true, and having more independent tests done. The majority of clothiing at buyOrganics is Bamboo with very few lines being made of organic cotton.

Are Stain Repellants making you more susceptible to developing Thyroid Disease?

The latest research from a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) has for the first time linked thyroid disease with human exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

This chemical is a persistent organic chemical used in industrial and consumer goods, including nonstick cookware and stain- and water-resistant coatings for carpets and fabrics. It is also used during the process of making common household and industrial items, including nonstick pots and pans, flame-resistant and waterproof clothing, wire coatings, and chemical-resistant tubing. PFOA can also be formed by the breakdown of certain other highly fluorinated chemicals used in oil- and grease-resistant coatings on fast-food containers and wrappers and in stain-resistant carpets, fabrics, and paints. Some of these products are everyday items that are used in our home.

Numerous animal studies show that PFAAs can affect the functioning of the mammalian thyroid hormone system, which is essential for maintaining heart rate, regulating body temperature, and supporting many other body functions, including metabolism, reproduction, digestion, and mental health

This latest study revealed that people with higher concentrations of PFOA in their blood were more likely to report a history of thyroid disease.

Tamara Galloway, a professor of eco-toxicology at the University of Exeter (U.K.) School of Biosciences and the study’s senior author, says, “These results highlight a real need for further research into the human health effects of low-level exposures to environmental chemicals like PFOA that are ubiquitous in the environment and in people’s homes. We need to know what they are doing.”

However due to the methodology used in conducting the experiment Galloway stresses that the evidence from the new study does not rule out the possibility that having thyroid disease may change the way the body handles PFOA. Further research is needed.

If you’re already dedicated to making healthy choices then you may already be avoiding many of the possible offenders. Our advice from a natural living and healthcare perspective is to choose natural products for your home wherever possible, for instance, natural paints, wood flooring, or wool rich carpets and natural fabrics such as hemp or jute. If possible avoid stain repellants especially in closed spaces and on sofas and furnishings. Avoid re-using fast food wrappers and containers and safety dispose of them in the bin. Choose pots and pans that are stainless steel or ceramic based rather than non stick and opt for natural fibre, untreated organic clothing where possible.

Winter 2009 New Bamboo Clothing Collection In Store Now

The Winter 2009 Collection of BAM Bamboo Clothing is now available online at buyOrganics.co.uk.

This seasons naturally organic clothing collection, consists of earthy dark tones of brown combined with lavender and turquoise to co-ordinate, making the womens look cheerful, appealing and elegant. BAM have also added skirts and wrap tops to the collection, making a change from the previous plain t shirt look. The men have comfy blues, greys and browns that are warm and vibrant. Not forgetting the really popular reversible tops which are back in new colours for this season.

As usual, the bamboo clothes are soft, luxurious to wear and perfect for giving as a Christmas or holiday gifts or simply buying for oneself. BAM clothes make excellent staples for any wardrobe, the true beauty and elegance of the collection is that the items can be mixed and matched with anything, kept simple and slouchy for casual days or dressed up for absolutely any occasion. This element of basic mix and matching means the collection is sustainable in more ways than one. The fabrics themselves are eco-friendly, but the designs are also classic meaning that they will not age or go out of fashion and hence are re-usable time and again. Prices are really reasonable, nothing more than you would pay for a decent top in the highstreet, but with so much more added value, that there really is no excuse not to add a bit of ‘green’ style to your wardrobe.

Stock is selling out fast, so if you want to get yourself or a loved one something really luxurious but cost effective, sustainable and value for money, then have a look at the complete BAM collection online at buyOrganics today, it really is worth it.