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16 Best Organic Cotton Blankets to Snuggle up Sustainably
Updated: Dec 1, 2023
It is getting colder and at the end of the day when we are lounging on the couch, we often grab a blanket to keep ourselves warm. Have you ever considered how sustainable it is and if it is ethically made? That is the topic of today, organic cotton throw blankets to snuggle up sustainably once it is getting colder outside.
Why an Organic Cotton Blanket?
What is wrong with your regular blanket?
Most of the throw blankets available are made of fleece. Even though this is soft and cuddly it is not the most sustainable option for a blanket to keep you warm.
First of all, is that it is made out of fleece made from polyester. Polyester fabric has some amazing properties like being a very strong fiber, wrinkle- and tear-resistant, and limited shrinking. Synthetic fibers that have polyester have high water, wind, and environmental resistance compared to plant-made fibers. There are just also big disadvantages of fleece. The first one is that it is sourced from crude oil. This is a fossil resource that requires a lot of energy to mine. The oil industry is also the largest industrial source of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. Also known as smog. Exposure to ozone is linked to a wide range of health effects, including aggravated asthma, increased emergency room visits and hospital admissions, and premature death that is often asthma-related.
VOC emissions from the oil and gas industry also include air toxins such as benzene, ethylbenzene, and n-hexane. Air toxins are pollutants known to cause cancer like leukemia and other serious (sometimes chronic) health effects.
If this wasn’t enough, a fleece blanket releases microplastics. This happens when you wash your blanket. Friction in your washing machine causes the release of microplastic from your blanket to end up in the water. As some of these microplastic particles are too small to filter out, they become part of our drinking water and we end up drinking microplastics.
Also outside of your washing machine, your fleece blanket releases microplastics. When you touch your blanket, or simply move it, the friction of the fabric by rubbing against itself also releases microplastics. This is not only true for your fleece blanket but every synthetic fiber you have/wear. These particles are very small which means they float into the air and you can breathe in these microplastics. In 1990 research has shown that microplastics are present in human lung tissue where concern that plastic fibers may contribute to the risk of lung cancer arose.
Different research showed that plastic particles might persist in the lungs, especially in people who are already suffering from lung disease. When particles would remain in the lungs, they likely stay there for a long time because they are bio-persistent, which could cause inflammation. Size also matters because longer fibers appear to be more damaging to lung tissue. Microplastic pollution has long been known to damage lung tissues. This could lead to cancer, asthma attacks, and other health-related problems. If the inhalation of microplastics is sufficiently high, these plastic particles may cause similar health problems. All of this should be enough reason to choose a different material to snuggle up with.
Why organic cotton?
Regular cotton is known as a crop that needs lots of chemicals for optimal harvest. Cotton is one of the most intensive sprayed crops in the world. In 2019 the US almost 2000 million pounds of fertilizers were used on cotton crops. But cotton also needs pesticides to prevent the crop from being lost. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 84 million pounds of pesticides were applied to the fields in the year 2000. Seven of the 15 pesticides commonly used on cotton in the United States are listed as “possible,” “likely,” “probable” or “known” human carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency.
All these fertilizers and pesticides not only affect our health when we touch something made with this cotton, but it also severely affects the soil. Soil salinization is a problem due to the high amount of salts present in the soil. Some of these substances will remain in the soil even after rainfall or irrigation. This deteriorates soil quality and ensures that the biodiversity in the soil is reduced.
Erosion is also a major problem around cotton crops. As cotton is heavily irrigated, this causes the water to flush out the previously applied fertilizers and pesticides but also the minerals that are naturally present in the soil. This will result in soil that lacks all nutrients and in the end, nothing will be able to grow there.
Organic cotton is strictly monitored to be certified as organic. One of the parameters is fertilizers and pesticide use. On organic cotton crops, only organic fertilizers and pesticides are allowed. These are biodegradable which means less damaging to our environment and our health. It is also better for the people making your clothes as they are working with materials that are not treated with harsh chemicals. This makes their workplace safer while they also receive a decent wage and working hours.
Overall there are enough reasons to look for an organic cotton blanket as it is better for the environment and better for your health. Below you can find lots of gorgeous organic cotton blankets to snuggle up with sustainably.
Best Organic Cotton Blankets
Homebird Textiles
Material: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
Size: 50 x 70 inch
This waffle throw blanket is not only warm, but it also functions as a beautiful accessory for your couch or bed while also begging to wrap you up in extremely soft organic cotton. This blanket is woven with premium long-staple cotton featuring a double-stitch binding, bringing elegance to any room and luxury to every snuggle.
Homebird is transparent about its entire product line so you can trace its entire supply chain process and be sure that your purchase was created ethically and responsibly. Made with 100% GOTS-certified cotton so you know this blanket was ethically made with fair working conditions throughout the entire supply chain.
Grey Heron Organics
Material: Organic Cotton
Size: 50 x 70 inch
This beauty was chosen for Boston Globe’s Holiday Gift Guide in 2021 and for good reason. The quality of the blanket is evident as soon as you feel it after washing and drying. This 2-layer of quadruple woven gauze in buttery soft, organic cotton muslin. This blanket is made ethically by a small business in the US that makes these blankets in multiple sizes so they will fit your couch or bed perfectly.
Maggie's Organics
Material: 100% Organic Cotton
Size: 48 x 60 inch
Add a touch of warmth and coziness to your home with an organic cotton blanket from Maggie's Organics. Just like their iconic socks, this soft and slightly stretchy throw is sure to be your new cold-weather favorite. Snuggle up with a good book and a cup of tea and feel great knowing Maggie's prioritizes Fair Trade manufacturing and a fully transparent supply chain.
Salt Earth
Material: Organic Cotton
Size: 60 x 80 inch
This 100% organic cotton throw blanket is a style statement that snuggles you and provides immense comfort. Woven using 100% staple organic cotton yarns in a waffle weave to deliver a combination of smoothness and warmth. Salt Earth products meet GOTS Certification, SEDEX, and SA8000 Certifications, ensuring you receive the best quality organic cotton available.
Longhui
Material: Organic Cotton
Size: 51 x 63 inch
This cable knit organic cotton blanket is functional, comfortable and gorgeous. Great to use on a sofa in the living room or as a bed throw blanket in the bedroom. This chunky knit blanket is soft, thick and very comfy to wrap around in and warm you up on a cold day. Machine washable for ease of use for everyone.
EarthLoop
Material: 100% Organic Cotton
Size: 50 x 60 inch
This hypoallergenic environment friendly throw blanket is soft, comfortable and breathable. The luxurious knit is specially designed for this blanket. Made with the highest quality premium organic cotton to ensure you have an ethical and safe blanket on your bed. Packed in a gorgeous box so it will also be a great gift to loved ones.
Kyra Home
Material: 100% Organic Muslin Cotton
Size: 60 x 80 inch
Kyra Home produces naturally dyed muslin organic cotton blankets that are a true must-have for the entire family. The 4 layers of muslin cotton ensure softness and breathability to keep you warm without the weight. This blanket is perfect to keep you cozy during all seasons as it is lightweight and warm. These blankets are made with OEKO-TEX 100 Standards. It ensures that their products are environmentally and not harmful to your skin.
Happy Place
Material: Organic Cotton
Size: 50 x 70 inch
Happy Place waffle throw blankets are ethically made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. Using only solar energy, and recycled water during production. These cotton blankets are soft, lightweight, breathable, absorbent, and perfectly sized to snuggle up and stay in year-round. Even their label is made from organic cotton so you are sure to have a premium item.
Whisper Organics
Material: Organic Muslin Cotton
Size: 60 x 80 inch
This 100% organic cotton soft blanket has full GOTS certification and is Fairtrade certified. The premium quality ensures safety for your skin and is good for the entire family. Cuddle up under this warm and cozy blanket all day long. Loved by adults, kids, and babies.
Softexly
Material: 60% Organic Cotton, 40% Wool
Size: 59 x 60 inch
This wool mix blanket was born after Softexly realized they couldn't find a wool blanket that combines warmth, skin-friendly and hypoallergenic abilities on the market. Compared with wool blankets on the market, their wool throw blankets are made of 60% organic cotton and 40% wool material which makes them both soft and skin-friendly. Great ideal for people with sensitive skin as wool naturally regulates body temperature. It is also great to use outdoors as it helps your body reach the ideal temperature more quickly to ensure blood circulation to keep you warm in almost any climate.
Organic Cotton Mart
Material: Organic Cotton
Size: 50 x 60 inch
Snuggle up under the comforting warmth and weight of this organic cotton blanket. This knitted throw blanket is made with 100% certified organic cotton and is luxuriously soft for comfortably cuddling on the sofa. This soft throw blanket is perfect for those with sensitive, delicate skin as it is extremely soft to the touch. Easy care as it is resistant to wrinkling or shrinking and machine washable.
Coyuchi
Material: 75% Organic Cotton, 25% Merino wool
Size: 47 x 60 inch
A blend of organic cotton and washable merino wool makes a blanket this is soft, cozy, and truly versatile. The wool fibers are tucked inside the cotton, to provide wool’s natural insulating properties with comforting cotton at the surface. A tight twill weave gives it a gorgeous drape with great durability. Its warmth and simplicity make it essential for any bed or couch.
Other Materials
Below are a few blankets that are not made with organic cotton but this doesn’t mean they are not sustainable. Different materials have different impacts on the planet and these are also amazing choices.
Hemp Organic Life
Material: Hemp
Size: 68 x 86 inch
Hemp is an amazing fabric, not only for clothing but also make amazing blankets. This blanket is made with a double layer of organic hemp that can be made to a size of choice by this small business.
As our body releases a lot of moisture, which should evaporate naturally due to the proper ventilation in clothing or blankets, which makes hemp is ideal as it supports the natural regime of our body. This means that you don’t feel cold or hot and there is no “thermos” effect when you are snuggling up with it.
LinenCasa
Material: 100% Stonewashed Linen
Size: 43 x 80 inch
LinenCasa's stonewashed linen textured throw blankets are different, as they're made from 100% stonewashed linen from flax plants. This is one of the most breathable natural fabrics around these days. This blanket is also naturally anti-bacterial, and lint-free, and features an elegant textured design that looks great on any couch or bed. Plus, it is extremely soft to snuggle up in, machine washable, and won't shrink so it is very easy to maintain.
AmyHomie
Material: Bamboo
Size: 59 x 79 inch
Bamboo is another great choice for a blanket. It is naturally cool to the touch while being soft and breathable. Bamboo is known to be healthy, skin-friendly, and odorless. It is known to be very eco-friendly to produce as it grows extremely fast and doesn’t need as many fertilizers and pesticides as cotton does. This cooling blanket is easy to care which means machine washable.
Rumple
Material: 100% recycled 30D ripstop polyester fabric
Size: 52 x 75 inch
Even though this blanket is not made from natural fibers, it is a very eco-friendly blanket as it is made with 100% post-consumer recycled materials. Rumpl has recycled over 3,000,000 plastic bottles since the beginning and will continue to do so while turning the bottles into lovely blankets.
