Meet The Materials: Organic Cotton

The House of Marley follows the ethos and lifestyle of the Marley family—universal love and respect for the Earth. As stewards of the environment, we use organic cotton to make sustainable products that last a lifetime.

In a world where environmental mindfulness is becoming a bigger priority, the House of Marley plays a part by sourcing sustainable materials. By using organic cotton, we’re able to create premium speakers and headphones that are aligned with our philanthropic efforts and the goal of helping the environment. But what’s special about organic cotton and how does it benefit people and the planet?

In this article, we’ll give you a closer look at why we use organic cotton in the House of Marley products and how it contributes to environmental sustainability. 

Fertilizer-Free

As the world becomes more conscious of the health of our planet, many farmers are switching to organic farming practices. Organic cotton is a more sustainable alternative to regular cotton because it’s grown without chemical resources and as a result, is healthier for the environment.

Cotton is one of the most lucrative crops in the farming industry. Despite its versatility and widespread use in textiles, inorganic cotton contributes to soil erosion, pollution and water supply contamination. It’s known as “the dirtiest crop” because it takes extreme amounts of agrochemicals to produce.

Organic cotton is grown from seeds that haven’t been genetically modified, resulting in a healthier, more robust plant. While inorganic cotton can create a host of environmental issues, organic cotton seeds are planted without any pesticides, fertilizers or toxins that can ruin soil quality or nearby water sources. 

Renewable and Biodegradable

Wherever possible, the House of Marley sources natural materials that don’t burden the environment. Organic cotton is renewable and biodegradable, meaning when it is eventually discarded, it will degrade rapidly without leaving harmful chemicals behind. 

Textile production and disposal take a hefty toll on our world. A significant portion of textiles that are generated in the US is sent to landfills, but the problem extends beyond that. Globally, the world sends 92 tons of textile waste to landfills every year. 

Plastic-based fabric presents an even bigger challenge. According to a study conducted with the help of marine biology specialists in the UK, approximately 10% of solid waste includes plastic, and 80% of it accumulates on shorelines or the ocean’s surface. 

Cotton is considered safe for the environment and usually takes one to five months to biodegrade completely. More importantly, it doesn't sit in a landfill for eons the way synthetic fabrics do. The University of Wollongong in Australia claims fabric like polyester can take up to 200 years to degrade entirely. 

Requires Less Water

According to a report from The Pennsylvania State University on water practices surrounding organic cotton, “the environmental impact of water use is considerably lower for [organic] rain-fed than for [inorganic] irrigated cotton.” By cutting down on the resources required for traditional farming practices, organic cotton farmers the Earth stay healthy. 

The water consumption required to maintain traditional cotton farms is problematic in certain countries that export it. India, for example, has reported a significant water shortage due to the “water footprint” of growing inorganic cotton. 

Experts say organic cotton requires significantly less water to grow than inorganic cotton. In a study conducted by specialists from the Departments of Agronomy and Horticulture at Iowa State University, they noted that inorganic cotton production accounts for 69% of textile fiber's water footprint. More importantly, the study also claims that organic cotton production practices can reduce water consumption by as much as 91%. If that’s not a reason to switch to organic cotton, we don’t know what is.

Organic Cotton and Our REWIND™ Fabric

Organic cotton is a versatile material grown and harvested responsibly all across the world. Marley sources organic cotton as a key component in our REWIND™ fabric, which is used for our soft goods and other fabric applications. 

Our REWIND™ fabric is woven from recycled materials to create a durable, high-quality product. It’s constructed from a distinctive blend that also includes 30% reclaimed hemp and 40% recycled PET. Organic cotton makes up the remaining 30% of the blend and adds a natural texture and softness to the fabric.

You’ll find REWIND™ fabric throughout our product line, from headphone wraps on the Positive Vibration XL Headphones to casing on our Get Together Mini and Get Together Duo Bluetooth speakers. 

Experience the Marley Sound

With organic cotton in our lineup, we’re proud to say that the House of Marley is aligned with its goal of helping the planet stay well. Now that you know a little more about our Earth-friendly mission, you can experience the Marley Sound! Check out our sustainable speakers, headphones and turntables for a premium listening experience.