Genetic modification is a staple of modern agriculture. It's in your food, the fields and even the fabrics you sleep on every night! GMO crops were originally engineered to resist pests and survive herbicides. But they've created an alarming cycle of chemical dependency and toxins. And one of the biggest culprits? Cotton.

While we’re conscious about what goes into our bodies, many of us still overlook what touches our skin. The materials you sleep on matter. That's why at Happsy, non-GMO cotton is central to our commitment to healthier sleep. In this blog post we'll break down what GMO-cotton is, why non-GMO cotton is better and how you can make sure you're keeping your sleep space free of GMOs.

Farmers have always battled pests and plant diseases. GMO cotton was created as a solution. It's cotton that's been genetically altered to fight insects or survive heavy doses of weed killers. Common types include Bt cotton (which produces its own bug-killing toxins) and herbicide-resistant cotton that won't die when sprayed with chemicals.

Today, GMO cotton is everywhere! About 97% of U.S. cotton is genetically modified, and globally, 75% of cotton is GMO. So when you buy regular cotton products, chances are they came from these modified plants that were treated with plenty of chemicals along the way.

Non-GMO cotton is grown from seeds that have not been genetically modified in a laboratory. These seeds are developed through traditional breeding methods and maintain their original genetic structure. Non-GMO cotton plants do not contain inserted genes from other organisms and are not engineered for specific traits like pest resistance or herbicide tolerance.

This type of cotton thrives with traditional farming practices, like crop rotation and organic fertilizers. Farmers growing non-GMO cotton focus on building healthy soil ecosystems, creating farming systems that support friendly bugs and bees, and promoting healthier ecosystems. 

When it comes to choosing cotton, opting for non-GMO varieties offers several distinct advantages – here are five reasons why non-GMO cotton stands out.

Non-GMO cotton is often grown using farming practices that prioritize soil health, such as crop rotation and organic composting – which can increase soil health by up to 44%! Without genetically modified traits that encourage chemical-heavy approaches, non-GMO cotton farming supports more balanced, nutrient-rich soil that can continue to produce high-quality crops year after year.

Above ground, non-GMO farms are home to friendly insects, like pollinators and natural pest predators. When soil is healthy, everything from little organisms to birds returns to create balanced ecosystems.

Non-GMO cotton is typically grown without genetically engineered traits that require or encourage the use of chemical herbicides and insecticides. This reduces the need for synthetic inputs in the growing process, especially when paired with organic farming practices (which non-GMO cotton often is!). This means less exposure to residues in the final cotton fiber and a cleaner process from field to fabric.

Non-GMO cotton financially supports many farmers because it allows them to be less reliant on patented seeds, which are a large financial burden, and intensive chemical use, which is a large financial and health burden. Beyond helping to reduce financial pressure on farmers and limit their exposure to potentially harmful substances, it also promotes more traditional and sustainable farming knowledge that benefits entire communities.

Non-GMO cotton plays an important role in protecting agricultural biodiversity. As we mentioned above, GMO cotton seeds are typically patented, meaning farmers must buy new seeds each season and are limited to a few genetically uniform varieties.

In contrast, non-GMO cotton allows for the continued use of traditional and regionally adapted seed varieties. These diverse strains can be saved, shared and replanted, helping to maintain a broader gene pool that supports crop resilience, adaptability, and long-term food and fiber security.

Non-GMO cotton is often part of supply chains that emphasize transparency from seed to finished product. Especially when certified organic, non-GMO cotton can be traced through documented farming and manufacturing practices. This makes it easier for brands and consumers to know exactly what they’re getting – and to make more informed, intentional choices.

At Happsy, we use exclusively GOTS-certified organic cotton, which guarantees it's free from GMOs and many other synthetic chemicals. On top of that, our mattresses meet EWG Verified® and MADE SAFE® standards for chemical safety. And, through our membership with 1% for the Planet, we donate to environmental conservation efforts. It's how we ensure that when you purchase a Happsy mattress or bedding product, you know getting more than just a comfortable place to sleep – you're supporting healthier farming for a healthier Earth.

The cotton in your mattress, sheets and pillows matters. By choosing non-GMO cotton, you're making a decision that benefits soil health, biodiversity, farming communities and your own wellbeing – that's a win, win, win win in our book. 

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