Large amounts of artifical fertilisers, herbicides and insecticides are used during the growing and processing of cotton. These can cause considerable ecological pollution.

The danger is that some of these chemicals are still present in the cotton wool and can leech out when used, especially with creams or lotions.

Simply Gentle's cotton is grown on organic smallholdings in Tanzania. Ox-driven weeding and crop rotation have been reintroduced and cattle manure has replaced chemical fertilisers and herbicides.

Simply Gentle works closely with the farmers under the “Sustainable Development” programme, through which they are advised by environmental experts. Self-help initiatives are set up and the price for the organic cotton crops is guaranteed. Their families are assured of living in a clean and healthy environment and the children are protected from exploitation.