Los Angeles-based American Apparel, a leader in the sustainable garment industry, has joined forces with the Cleaner Cotton Campaign to purchase the largest amount of Cleaner Cotton (also known as B.A.S.I.C. cotton) by a single manufacturer. The Cleaner Cotton Initiative, led by the Sustainable Cotton Project, was created to offer farmers profitable strategies for reducing chemical use in cotton cultivation—tactics that can decrease the use of pesticides by 95 percent.
The Cleaner Cotton Campaign has developed a working knowledge of biological techniques that can be effectively and economically applied in California’s farmland. By reducing chemical use on farms, Cleaner Cotton helps keep toxins out of the soil, air and water. The program also avoids the use of genetically modified seeds.
“We are thrilled to be supporting the Cleaner Cotton Campaign,” said Erika Martinez, head of organic programs at American Apparel. “This unique program not only promotes the reduction of chemical use but it also assists farmers through the cultivation process.”
“We hope that American Apparel’s commitment will inspire other California companies to join our Cleaner Cotton Campaign,” said Marcia Gibbs, director at the Sustainable Cotton Project.
According to the California Environmental Protection Agency, which makes all of its records available to the public, in 2007, there were 2,000 acres of Cleaner Cotton grown, which prevented 7,000 pounds of chemicals from entering the environment.
About American Apparel:
American Apparel is the largest vertically integrated manufacturer, distributor and retailer of T-shirts and related products in the world. With nearly 200 stores in 15 countries, American Apparel is the fastest-growing clothing retailer. It employs approximately 7,000 people globally and pays its garment workers the highest wages in the industry. All clothes are cut and sewn at its 800,000 sq. ft. facility in downtown Los Angeles.
For more information on American Apparel, visit www.americanapparel.net
About Sustainable Cotton Project:
The Sustainable Cotton Project is a nonprofit organization based in California’s Central Valley. Through its Cleaner Cotton Campaign, it is committed to helping family farmers reduce their chemical use for cotton farming without the use of genetically modified cottonseeds. The Sustainable Cotton Project’s philosophy of “cooperation for a change” has fostered a new level of shared information among farmers, manufacturers and others in support of creating a cleaner cotton industry.
For more information on the Sustainable Cotton Project, visit www.sustainablecotton.org
