Organic Cotton Declaration
People Tree Japan, Avanti have launched the Organic Cotton Declaration at a Organic Cotton Symposium on 7th September in Tokyo. It outlines our commitment to the promotion of Organic Cotton and pledges to double the quantity of our orders by 2010.
We believe in the value of protecting people and the environment. These values inform our policies.
We recognize that chemical pesticides and fertilisers used in conventional cotton farming are damaging to the environment, to the health and livelihoods of farmers and to their communities, and that they undermine sustainability.
We also recognize that the use of some chemicals in the production (yarn, fabric, finishing, dyeing and sewing) damages the environment and people's health.
In light of this, we commit to the following:
- To promote Organic Cotton farming which encourages the use of natural pest management and soil fertility agricultural practices and prohibits the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers.
- For every stage of production to select processes which aim to prevent negative impacts on the environment and producers' health.
- We intend to contribute to the increase of Organic Cotton farming and production. We are therefore committed to developing, producing and promoting products which make the best use of Organic Cotton.
- To support farmers and producers, campaign for their rights and support their development and to promote organic agriculture and environmental justice.
- We believe that by supporting the development of Organic Cotton farming we will be contributing to a more balanced relationship between people, natural habitats and the environment.
In compliance with the above statements, we commit to doubling the quantity of Organic Cotton, we currently buy, by 2010.
