No, of course not. But… to grow a kilo of cotton requires 1 to 1.5 kilos of chemicals and a pair of cotton pants weighs between 0.5 to 0.8 kilos [1], so…
For over an hour, these chemicals work with the purpose of eliminating insects. Were you aware that 25% of the world’s insecticides are dedicated to cotton crops, despite these crops occupying only 2.5% of all cultivated areas? These toxic substances, designed to enhance production efficiency, penetrate deep into the soil and groundwater. Furthermore, certain volatile chemicals disperse in the air, eventually mixing with rain and extending far beyond their intended fields.
It was inconceivable and difficult to understand, especially when we see none of this. We only see the requested end product, nicely wrapped in its packaging. Isn’t there something wrong with this? In fact, we need to learn more, dare to be curious, and aim to understand and see the whole. Not only humans, animals, and insects die, but entire ecosystems are put out of play. Fewer insects have consequences far beyond what we see here and now.
And of course, there is hope! There are lots of small changes that we, every single person can make to restore and heal. Take, for example, the results of the ozone layer, where scientists in the 1980s warned of growing ozone holes in the atmosphere. Thanks to joint decisions and measures in our behavior, large parts of these holes have healed today. [2] To stop the spread of chemicals is not more complicated, we need to get knowledge about how our clothes are actually manufactured and their consequences, then we can decide which way we want and can act. Do we want to stop buying, do we want to make demands on producers or do we even want to make a “Greta”?
Doing something does not require much of us individuals – no one can do everything but everyone can do a little. Let us first spread knowledge in how production takes place and what it means for the environment. In order to be able to do what is required, we need to dare to rethink – change our system thinking. Consumption, is that what makes you happy?
If you can get involved just a little grand right now, think about what you really need in terms of clothing, use what you have instead of buying new. If something is still missing, aim to buy second-hand, or exchange it for yourself from family or friends. As a last resort, you can buy new, but then from companies that are thinking about consequences. Also look for organically produced materials of cotton, linen, or hemp. Avoid conventionally grown cotton, or synthetic fibers such as polyester and acrylic. To learn more, please read our fact sheet “Klädskolan” which has been produced in collaboration with the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation.
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