Why is organic cotton better for people and the planet?
More than 50% of clothes sold in the UK are made from cotton. Cotton is grown in fields; when the crop is ready, it is picked, spun into thread and then woven to make fabric. This fabric is used to make garments which are light, breathable and comfortable to wear.
Cotton grown using conventional methods requires an immense amount of water, synthetic chemical fertilisers and artificial pesticides. The chemical inputs cause an imbalance and damage the local ecosystem. It also affects the health of the farmers and local communities. There are various sustainable cottons available but organic cotton is the best option. Organic cotton farming works well with nature.
1. Saves and protects water
Organic cotton farming consumes less water than conventional methods. This way of farming creates healthy soils which soaks up water during floods. It also keeps waterways safe and clean as synthetic pollutants are banned in organic farming.
2. Helps farmers
Farmers are able to grow healthy and resilient crops using sustainable techniques like crop rotation, green fertilisers and composting. Organic farmers grow other crops as well as cotton which not only helps keep soils healthy but provides another source of income to the farming community.
3. Eliminates use of chemicals
Conventional cotton farming methods are said to be responsible for about 15% of all insecticides sold worldwide. Synthetic pesticides damage ecosystems, pollute waterways, endanger workers' lives and communities. Organic farming uses natural methods like crop rotation to control pests and diseases. The use of genetically modified seeds are banned in organic farming so farmers work with the environment in a long-term, sustainable way.
4. Helps to combat climate change
Organic cotton growing uses natural methods to grow cotton which produces significantly less greenhouse gas emissions and the healthy soil helps remove CO2 from the atmosphere.