WHY YOU SHOULD GO ORGANIC

Not so long ago, eco-clothing was synonymous with hippies and hemp, but those who still believe that yarn are in for a stylish shock - because eco-clothing has never been more fashionable. Well-known designers are getting in on the eco act and some even managed to secure themselves a spot at the prestigious London Fashion Week this month.

Unconvinced about going green on the fashion front?

The Soil Association in the UK gives these reasons for cottoning on to organic clothing:

• Non-organic cotton farming uses one quarter of the world's pesticides - causing damage to the environment, sinking farmers into debt, causing illness and even death, they claim.

• Organic cotton farmers in developing countries report higher incomes plus using viable alternatives to chemicals protects their health.

• GM cotton is grown commercially in many countries so choosing organic cotton is the best way to avoid buying GM cotton.

• You'll avoid hazardous chemicals - over 8,000 chemicals can be used to turn cotton into a T-shirt or duvet cover.

• Stylish organic clothing and household textiles are now widely available so there's no longer a compromise between style and organic integrity.