Conventional cotton - a waste of water

The unsustainable use of water is, after chemical pesticide/herbicide usage, the most significant problem associated with the growing of conventional cotton. Conventional cotton requires 3000 cubic metres more of water per acre to grow. This is due to the heavy dependency of conventional growers on chemical fertiliser, pesticide and herbicides to grow and protect their crops from damage by pests. Cotton is often grown in water poor areas, yet the water distribution infrastructure can not cope with the demands placed on it by growers. In Central and South Asia 60% of irrigation water is lost before it reaches the crop.

Once cotton has been grown it needs to be processed, at each stage of the conventional manufacturing process (spinning, weaving, cutting, dyeing, finishing) chemicals will be added to strengthen the fibre, bind the fibre, shape the fibre, fix the colour, and provide an easy clean finish. All in all more than 200 chemicals will be added during the manufacturing process. All of this requires vast quantities of water.

A solution so simple anyone could implement it

While it is true that all cotton is a thirsty crop conventional cotton is significantly more thirsty than organically grown cotton. 100% of organically grown West African cotton is rain fed. In other areas where irrigation is the only option the premium paid for organic cotton allows farmers to invest in proper water management systems. (Terramar Organics buys from producers who pay between 15% and 30% over the market price). And as organic production avoids the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides less water overall is required in the growing of an organic cotton crop.

Sustainable textile production in turn reduces water dependencies even further. Although organic cotton processing still requires some chemicals these are highly restricted both in number and volume of use. Sodium Hydroxide (caustic soda) have no effect on the environment, health of workers or consumers when used in a responsible manner. Organic (sustainable textile standards) are extremely stringent and any chemical that constitutes a risk is band.

Organic growing and production requires significantly less water than conventional growing and manufacturing, meaning a lower environmental and social footprint.


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