Renewable energy is defined as energy that is produced from resources which are natural, taken from forces such as the sun, wind and the waves. Renewable energy resources and opportunities for energy efficiency exist over wide geographical areas. Rapid deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency would result in significant economic benefits and more importantly it would also reduce environmental pollution such as air pollution caused by burning of fossil fuels.

There are many definitions for organic agriculture but all state that it is a system that relies on ecosystem management rather than external agricultural inputs. It is a system that considers potential environmental and social impacts by eliminating the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, veterinary drugs, genetically modified seeds and breeds, preservatives, additives and irradiation. These are replaced with site-specific management practices that maintain and increase long-term soil fertility and prevent pest and diseases.

Manufacturers of organic clothing sustain that organic cotton clothing is better to wear, especially for the young. Many consumers and parents also agree with this. Organic cotton is perfect for the soft delicate skin of a baby. Young parents are increasingly buying organic cotton for their new born and young children.

Now more than ever both young and old are slowly switching to various products made from organic cotton such as jeans, t-shirts, shirts, pyjamas, towels, blankets, sheets, socks, bath robes and underwear.

Nearly 25% of all insecticides and 10% of the pesticides used throughout the world needed to produce conventional cotton. That is why it is ranked fourth in the list of the most heavily fertilised crops. This method has caused enormous environmental pollution. Poisoning due to chemical insecticides and pesticides is so acute that thousands of poor farmers in developing countries end up losing their lives. Organic cotton farming ensures a healthy life for the farmers and their families.

Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic fertilisers or toxic pesticides, therefore, helping to improve the quality of the land and prevent water contamination, and conserve biodiversity. By using compost and manure, organic farmers help lock CO2 into the soil, which helps ease climate change, and avoids greenhouse gas emissions associated with intensive fossil-fuel based fertilisers. It also avoids the use of toxic pesticides that in non-organic systems are responsible for killing wildlife and contaminating rivers.

An estimated 30% of all cotton grown worldwide is genetically modified. GM cotton poses a potential risk to wildlife and human health, as well as exposing farmers to unnecessary expense. Research has shown that genetically modified cotton did not result in significantly higher yields than organic cotton, but cost farmers twice as much to produce as organic. GM is banned in organic systems.

Poor working conditions and lack of worker’s rights in the garment industry have been well documented. Manufacturers of Soil Association certified organic textiles must meet social criteria based on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions. These cover minimum wages, working hours, child labour, freedom of association, discrimination, harsh or inhumane treatment and more.

Wind energy generates electricity from wind, commonly by using propeller-like turbines. Wind power is the use of air flow through wind turbines to mechanically power generators for electricity. Wind power is an alternative to burning fossil fuels, is plentiful, renewable, widely distributed, clean and produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, it also consumes no water, and uses little land.

Solar energy is produced from sunlight. Light can be changed into thermal energy and electric energy. It is an important source of renewable energy. It can be either passive or active solar depending on how they capture and distribute the energy or convert it into solar power. Active solar techniques include the use of photovoltaic systems. Passive solar techniques include orienting a building to the Sun. It is clean and reduces pollution and is also a strong alternative for producing energy and reducing global warming.

Biofuel and Ethanol are substitutes for powering vehicles. A biofuel is a fuel that is produced by biological processes, rather than a fuel produced by fossil fuels, such as coal and petroleum. Biofuels can be derived directly from plants or indirectly from agricultural, commercial, domestic, and/or industrial wastes. Bioethanol is an alcohol made by fermentation, mostly from carbohydrates produced in sugar or starch crops such as corn, sugarcane, or sweet sorghum. Ethanol can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, but it is usually used as a gasoline additive to increase octane and improve vehicle emissions. Biodiesel is produced from oils or fats using transesterification and is the most common biofuel in Europe.