As we become more conscious of the impact we are having on the planet, people are starting to realize that every choice they make can have a huge impact. This is where sustainable technology comes into play. One such aspect of it is the fashion industry, and in particular, the type of cotton that clothes are made from. Organic cotton has been gaining popularity but is it actually better than conventional cotton?
What is Organic Cotton and Conventional Cotton
Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Instead, farmers use natural methods like crop rotation and companion planting to keep pests away and maintain soil fertility. On the other hand, conventional cotton is grown using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and often uses genetically modified seeds to increase crop yield.
Water Usage
One of the main criticisms of the cotton industry is the amount of water that is required to grow cotton. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), it takes approximately 2,700 liters of water to produce one conventional cotton shirt. Organic cotton, however, requires significantly less water as it is not irrigated as heavily as conventional cotton. This is because organic methods tend to prioritize soil health, and the water-holding capacity of healthy soil is much higher. As a result, organic cotton uses 88% less water than conventionally grown cotton.
Environmental Impact
The use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in conventional cotton production has a significant impact on the environment. These chemicals pollute the soil and water, harm wildlife and insects, and reduce the quality of the cotton produced. In contrast, organic cotton farming methods like crop rotation, intercropping, and the use of natural pesticides and fertilizers reduce the amount of pollutants in the environment. Research suggests that organic cotton farming produces up to 94% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional cotton farming.
Agricultural Labor Practices and Health
Conventional cotton farming is often conducted by large plantation farming organizations that employ migrant laborers who work long hours and receive minimal wages. Additionally, these workers are exposed to harmful chemicals, which pose a risk to their health. Organic cotton farming, on the other hand, often happens in smaller farming communities that offer fairer wages, better working conditions, and less exposure to harmful chemicals.
Conclusion
Organic cotton has a clear advantage over conventional cotton farming. It uses less water, produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and is grown using organic methods that benefit soil and wildlife, and create better working conditions for farmers. With the fashion industry being one of the largest consumers of cotton, it is important for everyone to support sustainable, organic cotton farming practices.
References
- "Organic Cotton." Textile Exchange. https://textileexchange.org/programs/organic-cotton/.
- "Cotton Farming and the Environment." WWF. https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/cotton.
- "Cotton's Environmental Impact." Cotton Inc.https://thefabricofourlives.com/sustainability/environmental-impact
- "Why Better Cotton." Better Cotton. https://bettercotton.org/why-better-cotton/.