Why does it cost more money to buy organic cotton compared to conventional cotton? Surely it should be cheaper to buy a product that's been grown without the use of chemicals? Are sellers cashing-in on our desire to reduce our carbon footprint? Where does the extra money that we pay for organic cotton clothing end up?

One of the reasons organic baby clothes are more expensive than conventionally grown cotton clothing, is economies of scale. Demand for organic cotton clothing is steadily increasing, but the organic market is still only a tiny drop in the consumer-spending ocean, therefore extra costs exist at each step of the process. For example, while it might cost 10GBP a piece to make 20 baby sleepsuits, it would cost 2GBP a piece to make 200. This is because the organization and preparation involved prior to sewing the garments is slow and complicated. Once the sewing begins, however , the process is relatively fast. Therefore the more garments that are ordered, the more the cost per piece is reduced. From manufacturing, to shipping, to advertising and marketing, small companies lack the size and buying power to achieve economies of scale that drive prices lower.

Another factor that drives up the cost of organic clothing is that it is actually more expensive to grow and harvest. This might come as a surprise, but the natural methods and processes involved in keeping pests and weeds at bay actually take more time to achieve and are more costly than the chemical aids and pesticides that are used in the growth of conventional, unsustainable cotton. Chemicals are used to speed up and ease the harvesting process of conventional cotton, whereas organic cotton harvesting is done without the use of chemical short-cuts and is therefore more labour intensive and in turn, costs more money.

But isn't organic cotton about more than just money? The motivation for choosing organic baby clothing not only comes from liking the garment itself, but also from the environmental awareness of the buyer, and the seller. The cost of a product isn't just what's on it's price tag. It's so important to be aware of our impact on the planet, and while organic cotton may be more expensive to buy, surely it's worth it when we remember where that extra cost is going and how it will benefit us and our planet in so many ways.

Fair trade tends to go hand in hand with organic cotton, and is another important factor which adds to it's cost. Quite often, organic garments are manufactured locally, or in overseas factories where workers are paid a fair wage. It is easy to price a garment cheaply when you are paying your sewers and workers next to nothing. If, as a consumer, you purchase a very cheap garment you can be sure that someone down the line will be suffering for your savings. You can be equally certain that when purchasing certified organic cotton from a certified fairtrade source, the workers involved in it's production will be paid and treated fairly.

Another very valid point is that organic cotton is actually 'better' than conventional cotton in a number of ways. The actual fabric has a much longer life span. This is because the fibres haven't been damaged and weakened by the chemicals, which makes for a much stronger, thicker, softer cotton which lasts much longer. Not only that, organic baby clothing is usually very well made and put together. It also has the ability to 'breath' better than conventionally grown cotton. Organic baby clothes will allow moisture to evaporate away from babies sensitive skin, as opposed conventional cotton baby clothing, which is more likely to trap moisture and cause irritation.

So it seems that nobody is unfairly growing wealthy from the sale of organic cotton, or cashing in on the poor unsuspecting consumers eco-awareness. The extra cost which results in the retail price of organic cotton baby clothing compared to conventional cotton can be clearly seen and accounted for all the way down the line. Organic cotton IS hugely beneficial to our environment and it IS worth it. The more of us that spend that extra money for sustainable products right now, the more affordable and accessible to everyone they will become in the future.