Cotton is the largest non-food crop, with over 19 million tons grown every year in over 70 countries. Although it is a natural fibre and has a good environmental image, the farming of cotton actually causes considerable ecological pollution. Artificial fertilisers, herbicides and insecticides are used on cotton crops in large quantities. 25% of all chemical insecticides used each year worldwide are used on cotton crops. Simply Gentle cotton is organically grown on smallholdings in Tanzania to Soil Association standards. It is grown in complete partnership with the local farmers, to the economic, social and environmental benefit of the farmers and their families. Simply Gentle is the first and only cotton wool to be made by a UK company with the SA 8000 standard for Ethical Trading.