Sustainable organic cotton for your home from Australia with love

Katrin

Bhumi is an Australian-owned family business. They have helped Australians change the way they think about and consume cotton vs organic cotton products and work hard to ensure we leave a lighter footprint on the planet with zero plastic, reusing cut-offs, planting trees, and being carbon neutral. All their sustainable luxury products are made from certified organic cotton and ethnically made.

Thank you Vinita for taking the time and being part of the Being Magazine interviews project.

Vinita

Thank you for reaching out to me to have me a part of your beautiful world of design.

Katrin

I know that the company name has an interesting meaning. Can you tell us more about what it means and what is standing behind this name?

Vinita

Bhumi means Mother Earth in Sanskrit. I wanted to choose a name that was deeply rooted in the ancient, and old ways of the world. Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in the world and in our current times I feel we have forgotten the ways that were sacred and in union with the Earth. The derivative ‘Bhum’ is found in many other languages to have the same or similar meaning and as we are all interconnected in this world this makes the name even more important of a shared connection to our Earth. The earth teaches us to be human, to love, to give, to thrive, and to survive. Every day we witness the changing natural world around us as a result of our actions and the choices we make. The entire ecosystem is interconnected and when we truly realize and experience this, our love for the earth, for life, for nature, and for human nature is amplified.

Bhumi means Mother Earth in Sanskrit.  

Katrin

When did the idea to create the Bhumi come to you? And why did you choose to work in the textile industry?

Vinita

My world before Bhumi was actually in health. I began my career as a nurse and worked at the Children’s Hospital with many families. I enjoyed the education aspect so went on to study International Public Health with a dream to work overseas. I found myself working and traveling in India and Bangladesh and in my time there I was exposed to the truth behind the textile industry. I traveled across the agricultural belts and saw firsthand the devastation of the textile trade from toxic dyes, toxic pesticides, land degradation, polluted waterways from runoff, child labor, farmer suicides, and the repercussions on families of that – it was completely devastating and life-changing. I was shocked as we did not see it or hear about it as much as we do now and I could not believe I did not know this dark side of the textile industry. I spent years on the ground talking to people about ideas and solutions so Bhumi was created.

Katrin

What are your vision and your company’s vision?

Vinita

We are paving the way for a new era in the textile industry by offering sustainable luxury products made from organically grown and ethically made cotton, creating a positive impact on the people and the planet. I have seen too much and know too much of what really goes on and what is in the textiles and the impacts of that on the people and the planet, and I will work hard and fight for better ways. 

We want to reshape The Textile Industry and bring education and awareness to consumers about the textiles they use and wear all the time. We want to educate people about what is in their fabrics of choice, and the amount of synthetic and plastic blends, and teach people to read and understand their labels. We believe the negative effects of regular cotton farming & what goes on in the textile industry are not acceptable anymore.

Katrin

Tell us  3 interesting, curious facts about Bhumi.

We are a family-run and owned business with a family vibe with all of our team members even our beautiful furbaby only loves to sleep on and in Bhumi!

Vinita

1. In a capital-intensive business like this we have no external investors.

2. We are a family-run and owned business with a family vibe with all of our team members even our beautiful furbaby only loves to sleep on and in Bhumi!

3. We are very hands-on in the business from ironing and styling in all the photoshoots, personally overseeing customer orders, and writing all the customer reviews through to personal visits to all our teams in India. We are truly very hands-on as it is all about heart for us in the business.

Katrin

How do you control the quality? What is the manufacturing process of sustainable luxury cotton products?

Vinita

We are very strict about our quality control from seed to shelf to ensure there is a deep respect for the Earth and Her people across. At Bhumi, all of our cottons is organically grown and produced as nature intended without the use of any toxic chemicals. Organic cotton farmers use environmentally sustainable systems that maintain and replenish the fertile soil and promote biodiversity and natural pest control. Natural fertilizers such as animal manure and compost are used that recycle the nitrogen within the soil. The factories run on solar and wind power and all water used is collected from monsoon rainfall. We only use and will only ever use GOTS-certified fairtrade organic cotton for there to be a positive impact from “seed to shelf” on humanity and the environment. Overall, this results in having the lowest environmental impact, a deep sense of social justice with fair trade practices, and also the purest and softest organic cotton, that is resilient and gentle on our skin. Being strict in our certification with third-party verification ensures that along the whole supply chain there are no GM seeds, no harmful chemicals, insecticides and pesticides, no toxic dyes, bleaches or finishes, no child labor, fair wages, and safe working conditions. We cannot compromise on this or else there will be no change and the same trajectory will continue and the Earth and Her people will suffer.

Katrin

It is not just about nature and the environment, right? Toxic materials used in textile can affect peoples health. How can low-quality textiles affect people’s lives? Can you tell me more about it?    

Vinita

This is no small issue. The multitude and magnitude of toxic chemicals used in the fashion and textile industries are out of control and it is an issue that is not talked about enough. Whatever the fabric you choose to wear or sleep in, you deserve to know the truth of what is in it. The sad fact is that the majority of the textiles we put on our bodies contain a dangerous cocktail of carcinogenic chemicals, allergens, dyes, and skin irritants.

During the journey of creating a fabric, numerous toxic chemicals are coated in seriously toxic and harmful substances and added at each stage of growing, processing, dyeing, finishing, and handling— these are pesticides, fertilizers, silicone waxes, harsh petroleum scours, softeners, heavy metals, flame, and soil retardants, fasteners, ammonia, dyes, colorants, finishers, caustic soda, sulphuric acid, bromines, urea resins, halogens, and formaldehyde — to name just a few.

A false assumption out there is that if you wash the fabrics it will all wash out and it won’t remain in the fabric, however, the systemic nature of toxins in textiles is like trying to wash the pesticides out of conventionally grown strawberries; it is practically impossible and the only thing that happens is more chemicals are washed out into the environment. Toxic surfactants called NPEs (nonylphenol ethoxylates) are commonly used as detergents in the processing and creation of textiles. When NPEs are released into the water, they break down into nonylphenols—endocrine-disrupting chemicals that you are not only exposed to but are highly toxic to fish and ocean wildlife. The top 10 insecticide treatments for textile crops are classified to be Extremely Hazardous by the World Health Organisation. In ways direct and indirect, our demand permits the degradation of health beyond our own bodies; it affects the farmers and makers, the waterways, and the soils that form the skin of our Earth. Conventional cotton is grown with genetically modified seeds and sprayed heavily with toxic pesticide sprays like Roundup (the primary ingredient is glyphosate which is linked to cancer) and these persist in the fabric even after manufacturing. Many textiles also contain chlorine bleach, formaldehyde, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), PFCs (perfluorinated chemicals), ammonia, and/or other harmful chemicals. Add to that heavy metals, PVC, and resins, which are involved in dyeing and printing processes.

And it is these toxic substances that make their way into our bodies, our bloodstream, and our lymphatic systems while we sleep. We breathe the toxic cocktail into our skin and bloodstream when we sleep forcing our immune systems to fight an uphill battle. Our skin is the largest organ in our body. It is our first line of defense and its’ covering protects us as it holds us together. Our skin is known as the passageway to your bloodstream and research suggests as skin is porous it will absorb much of what we place on it. Did you know that our skin is most porous and absorbent when the skin is warm (like when we are cozy in bed) and it only takes seconds for chemicals to start entering your bloodstream?

GOTS-certified organic textiles are free from pesticides, herbicides, NPEs, and GMOs, and dyed without harmful chemicals such as chlorine bleach, formaldehyde, and heavy metals. It really is the platinum standard for a truly sustainable textile, from the seed right through to the finished product. From seed to shelf, GOTS analyses and tests every input at every stage from seed to shelf, the environmental impact of every facility, and the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone throughout the entire supply chain. GOTS removes blind spots for consumers, providing full accountability, and traceability from start to finish to allow for legitimate organic certification. GOTS will only certify natural fibers and natural blends such as organic cotton, linen, and hemp. Certified organic cotton is grown GMO-free, is never treated with fungicides, synthetic pesticides, or fertilizers, and uses 71% less water and 62% less energy than conventionally produced cotton. Conventional cotton represents less than 3% of the world’s agriculture, yet accounts for 25% of the most harmful insecticides and 10% of the most toxic pesticides used on the planet. Sadly 20% of freshwater pollution globally comes from textile treatment and dyeing. And to make matters worse, 60% of a cotton plant goes back into the food stream as feed for livestock or for oils for many packaged products.

Less than 1% of Linen used in the world is actually organic and it is only this 1% of organic linen that uses no pesticides or chemicals. Most of the linen available on the market use ‘less’ pesticides, chemicals, and fertilizers. Many people think that linen is automatically eco-friendly which is far from the truth. Most of the world’s linen is grown using nitrates and during processing requires heavy bleaching and chemical softeners. At Bhumi, we don’t want to use ‘fewer’ toxic chemicals, what impact is that having on the environment? The workers? The land? The waterways? The air? Consumers? Fewer toxic chemicals and pesticides are not good enough. We want to use NONE. There are many bedding brands out there that claim to use fewer pesticides or greenwash people into believing that their cotton is natural so is then inherently good for the environment – this is not true. Unless it is certified organic the detrimental impact on the planet is huge.

There is the OEKO-TEX certification that promises that ‘every component of this article i.e. every thread, button, and other accessories, has been tested for harmful substances and that the article, therefore, is harmless in human ecological terms’. While this is better than no certification within the mainstream textiles, OEKO-TEX only certifies that the end product has passed its test for consumer safety and that any residues found in them are within ‘safe’ limits.

OEKO-TEX does not mean organic, it still allows for the use of chemicals, pesticides, and dyes and it only tests the finished product. This certification offers little transparency into the product growing, processing, and manufacturing which is why it certifies products like bamboo, viscose, and rayon where you have the consumption of pesticides, chemicals and dyes used right from the start. So this certification may be good for human use in the end, but from seed to shelf the negative environmental and social justice issues remain on a large devastating scale.

The cycle needs to break and practices need to change – this can only come about through awareness. It is of paramount importance to know the certifications and how strict they are and what they cover as not all certifications mean it is ok for the planet or her people.

Katrin

Thank you for describing it so deeply and share your knowledge. It is crazy how many things you need to consider if you want to use sustainable organic products. I feel like I need new bedsheets and sleeping clothes right now!  

Here is a practical question. Is your shop working worldwide?   

Vinita

Yes, we do ship worldwide! 

Katrin

I want to ask a personal question. Which profession did you dream about when you were a kid?  

Vinita

I wanted to be a marine biologist! I have a deep love for the ocean and the moon and will do everything I can to protect our Blue Planet!

Katrin

I believe together we can change the world for the better. Do you?:) What is your personal view on the future of our planet? 

Vinita

I am always hopeful. I am concerned though as the Earth needs help but the things we are doing to destroy Her far outweigh what we are doing to protect Her. The textile industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and the push for fast fashion and fast bedding is worrisome. The intense amount of greenwashing makes it difficult for people to really understand the truth. So behind the scenes of the handbag, the jewelry, the food, the fashion, is a cycle of excess production, processing, plundering, and subsequent destruction of the earth’s natural resources; the creation of factories whose manufacturing and operation create inhumane working conditions, human and animal abuse & toxic byproducts; and the use of commodities themselves that create hazardous pollutants and waste. We are now witnessing mass deforestation and misuse of land, toxic levels of pollution, contaminated water sources, intensive and inhumane livestock breeding, mass animal slaughter, the export and dumping of industrial and electrical waste into developing countries, child and bonded labor, human rights abuses, inhumane working conditions all to fuel the fire of global and mass consumption. I do hope with education and awareness more people question things. Asking what, why, where, when, how, where, and digging deeper to unearth the truth may change our choices. It is time for change and it is our responsibility. We strongly believe that knowledge brings power. Power brings choice. Choice brings change. Change for the better – for the earth and for humanity.