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Clean, classic summer fishing shirt in a durable, soft hemp/organic cotton blend. Relaxed fit Anywhere anglers tend to get a little hot under the collar- mangrove swamps, equatorial flats or airport stand-by lines - the Chaa Creek's clean, classic lines and natural fabric help cool things down. The soft-yet-tough blend of hemp and organic cotton is highly breathable and feels great next to the skin. Two chest pockets, one with zip closure and the other with button closure, secure fly boxes or travel docs. Highly durable, breathable hemp/organic cotton blend Two chest pockets: one with zip closure, one with button closure, both sized to fit fly boxes Button front placket 55% hemp/45% organic cotton 312 g (11 oz)
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Hemp:
Though our hemp is not “certified organic,” it is grown organically using all natural ingredients: compost, animal manure and available rainfall. We use hemp both on its own and blended with other fibers like PCR polyester, organic cotton and spandex.
Unfortunately, industrial hemp is illegal to grow in most parts of the world. Activists, businesses and farmers alike are working hard to get the laws changed but an aura of fear still surrounds most of the government agencies involved. We currently import our high-quality hemp from China and continue to hope that it might some day grow freely again.
Environmental Benefits:
Requires no irrigation
Uses no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers
Harvested and processed by hand
Performance Benefits:
One of the most, if not the most, durable natural fibers on the planet
Wonderful drape that’s comparable to linen
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Organic Cotton : "Pure" and "Natural"
When we scrutinized fabric fibers to determine their environmental impact, we figured cotton was "pure" and "natural," made from a plant. We were right about the plant.
As it happens, very little is pure or natural about cotton when it is raised conventionally. Fully 10 percent of all agricultural chemicals in the United States are used to produce cotton, grown on just one percent of all major agricultural land. Conventional cotton crops in California alone are dusted every year with 6.9 million pounds of chemicals. And research shows that extensive and intensive use of synthetic fertilizers, soil additives, defoliants and other substances wreak terrible havoc on soil, water, air and many, many living things.
There is, of course, an alternative: organic cotton. There are farmers who have been growing cotton without harmful chemicals for years. Their yield is high and the quality of the cotton they grow is equal to or better than conventionally grown cotton. Their methods support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, improve the quality of soil and often use less water. Growing organically takes more time, requires more knowledge and skill, and, for now, costs more. But it's worth it.
Once we had this knowledge, and the counsel of good friends in the environmental community, we believed we had no choice. In 1996, we converted our entire sportswear line to 100% organically grown cotton. We decided never to go back to conventional cotton, regardless of the outcome.
The move didn't compromise quality and it provoked a fundamental change in our attitudes about agriculture. As part of our organic cotton program, hundreds of us took tours of cotton fields, where we could see the dangers of pesticide use and the benefits of organic farming for ourselves. Many of us have since become activists on the issue and have shifted to buying organic foods and clothing for ourselves and our families.
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