Choosing green, responsibly
Talking Toes uses sustainable materials that are grown and sourced in an environmentally friendly way. Our socks are now made of organic combed cotton that's softer for you and safer for the planet. We have also begun working on packaging made from recycled paper and with minimal plastic.
Fashion has been notorious in its impact on the planet, with the industry being responsible for almost 10% of all human carbon emissions. Our landfills are piling up because of fast fashion, and plastics are finding their way into our oceans and forests. As a brand committed to igniting positive change, we want to make a product that is durable and long-lasting so that less things have to go to waste. We want to make socks that are good for the earth.
Why is organic cotton better than regular cotton?
Cotton is one of the world’s most chemically intensive crops. It soaks up 20% of the pesticides produced worldwide, and that is a massive amount especially because cotton covers only 2.5% of the total agricultural land around the world. These pesticides are harmful chemicals that poison farmers and factory workers who end up breathing in the fumes during the manufacturing process.
Organic cotton is all about ensuring that the cotton making process is more sustainable. That means it's grown with methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. We use combed organic cotton to make our socks, with material that's softer for you and safer for the planet.
How is organic cotton more sustainable?
Organic cotton chooses the more sustainable route. It bans harmful toxins and pesticides that might otherwise cause rashes, itching and headaches because of the chemical residue. Just like people, crops also need nutrients and minerals to grow. They get it from the soil, and it's only when the soil is fertile that the crops will grow well. Organic cotton is grown in such a way that soil fertility is maintained and preserved.
As a result, organic cotton generates 46% less greenhouse gases than regular cotton and uses up to 90% less water by relying on rainwater more than irrigation. This makes organic cotton far more sustainable than conventional cotton, which is why we use GOTS cotton for our socks.
What's GOTS cotton?
The Global Organic Textile Standard is a global standard for the processing of organic apparel, right from the spinning to the dyeing and manufacturing steps. But that's not all that this standard is about. GOTS looks at the entire supply chain process of creating textiles, while also setting requirements for the conditions of the people working there. This social criteria must be met by all processors, manufacturers and traders and includes sections about child labor, migrant workers, and harassment policies.
Talking Toes socks are made with GOTS certified combed cotton, so you can experience the luxury and durability of combed cotton, the sustainable way.
What's combed cotton?
Combed cotton is a softer version of cotton that’s made by treating cotton fibers before they’re spun into yarn. The process helps improve the strength, durability and quality of the cotton. Combed cotton is biodegradable and feels much softer on your skin than conventional cotton.
At Talking Toes, we acknowledge our responsibility as a brand that stands for positive change. With us, you can shop with peace of mind knowing that your socks were made ethically, with a responsibility towards people and our environment.
