The Norwegian army has crossed a very important border that has nothing to do with battle tactics or campaigns. In the eyes of the world, Norway’s military is already considered the most progressive with their unisex dormitories, meatless Mondays and permits for male soldiers to sport pony-tails. Now they have gone another comfortable and organic step further by placing a massive order for eco-friendly underwear.
Norway’s Organic Army Issue Underwear: Source: Norwegian Armed Forces
The importance of organic cotton
Fewer pollutants enter the environment with the production of organic cotton, which is grown without the use of any chemical pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, herbicides, fertilizers or genetic engineering. Organic cotton farming requires the utilization of beneficial insects; compost; crop rotation and hand or machine weeding to improve the quality of the soil and protect the air and water so vital to human survival. Organic cotton farming supports a true economy and encourages bio-diversity.
In the words of Maiken Pollestad Sele from the ecological organization, Oikos: "Organic cotton is grown without the use of any chemical pesticides or fertilizers, and if the military is buying organic cotton, they are contributing to fewer pollutants being spread into the environment where both the cotton and the garments are produced…I think that by doing this, the Norwegian military is really taking responsibility."
Freya Troya outfitters
The military outfitter slated to supply this new underwear is Freya Troya, a company launched in 1981 and known for its stringent garment production requirements. Since 2009, it has specialized in the use of organic fibers only. This move is an immense step towards improving the environment, since the military is a very large, conspicuous and consistent consumer. In an interview with a local newspaper, Camilla Kohler, the company’s managing director said: We have prettty good capacity, so we can do it."
Nordic Ecolabel: Source: Abena.Co
All the garments produced by Freya Troya are Nordic Ecolabel or Swan certified. This label is well known throughout Nordic countries and insures that a product bearing its image is a good environmental choice. Established in 1989 by the Nordic Council of Ministers, the Swan label guarantees that all products meet certain criteria that will contribute to sustainable production and consumption.
Some special qualities of this underwear
This underwear promises to be very comfortable. It will cost a little more overall, but according to Simen Rudi, a member of the armed forces’ logistics division, "We aren’t talking about a lot more kroner per unit. We have done tests to show that this underwear is nice to wear and that is, of course, very important for soldiers in the field."
The future of organic cotton underwear
Norway may be the first country to issue organic cotton underwear for its armed forces, but isn’t likely to be the last. Comfort is everything, whether on the field of battle or relaxing in one’s living room. Sustainable fashion is a battle cry in its own way to save Mother Earth before its too late. For such an important mission, one should never be without his or her unmentionables.
Closing thoughts on underwear:
This morning when I put on my underwear I could hear the fruit-of-the-loom guys laughing at me. ~ Rodney Dangerfield
