USA:American Apparel expands its sustainable practices

American Apparel Inc, a leader in the sustainable garment industry, has joined forces with the Cleaner Cotton Campaign to purchase 30,000 pounds of Cleaner Cotton (also known as B.A.S.I.C. cotton).
This initiative, lead by The Sustainable Cotton Project, was created to offer farmers profitable strategies for reducing chemical use in cotton cultivation. These tactics can often decrease the use of pesticides by 95%.
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.
Campaign," said Erika Martinez, head of organic programs at American Apparel.
"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.
Last year, there were 2,000 acres of Cleaner Cotton grown, which prevented 7,000 pounds of chemicals from entering the environment. This was reported by the California Environmental Protection Agency, which makes all of its records available to the public.