We have talked about cotton production and how it affects both nature and animals, including humans. But what does the industry itself look like?
Cotton is the most widely used natural fibre, grown in eighty countries in many parts of the world [1]. Six countries account for 80% of the world’s total cotton production. Number one is India, followed by China, USA, Pakistan, Brazil and Australia [2].
Depending on the crops’ location, they differ from large-scale mechanized to small-scale family-run crops. The scale also affects the use of pesticides. On the one hand, large-scale cultivation sprays larger areas but is simultaneously limited by legislation and regulations. Pesticide use on small-scale crops is in smaller quantities but less regulated. More knowledge and technical resources are often needed to handle the chemicals correctly, which has significant consequences for the environment and human health. Regardless of where the cotton is grown and how large the plantations are, pesticides are a significant problem in conventional cotton production [2].
THE COTTON INDUSTRY ♡ PESTICIDES
The cotton plant is sensitive to pests, so chemical pesticides are a great alternative. In India, for example. The cotton industry accounts for 45% of the country’s total use of pesticides [1].
The issue with pesticides on cotton farms extends beyond pest control, encompassing detrimental consequences such as contaminating rivers and groundwater, diminishing biodiversity, and posing grave threats to human health. For instance, take the insecticide Aldicarb—a solitary droplet can prove fatal. Despite being prohibited in numerous countries, it continues to be employed, including in India [3].
Around the world, various organisations work for more ecologically and socially sustainable cotton production. The organisations aim to enhance regulations, implement more stringent legislation, and provide farmers training. The goal is to reduce the use of toxic chemicals, increase the use of natural pesticides and improve working conditions for those who work on the cotton plantations. This type of work is what can ultimately lead to certified products. The certifications make it easier for consumers to rethink and make better choices in the store.
By buying organically certified cotton instead of conventional cotton, we signal to the textile industry that we want ecologically and socially sustainable cotton production. So, if you buy newly produced cotton products, choose organically certified ones. The price difference between conventionally grown cotton and organically grown cotton is usually not that significant for us as end consumers. What differences are the consequences for the environment, where the cultivation takes place and for the people who work in the fields.
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