Cotton is susceptible to pests and disease, but many chemical pesticides and herbicides used in cotton farming have long-term negative effects on the environment. In addition, the bleaching of cotton adds further chemical waste to the world's water supplies. The cotton used in these sheet sets was grown using no man-made chemicals, and has been left in its natural unbleached state. Organic unbleached cotton is every bit as soft, durable, and attractive as regular cotton, but causes less irritation in those sensitive to chemicals and is better for the environment.