Cotton and Sustainability: The Facts Behind the Myths

Cotton and Sustainability: The Facts Behind the Myths

Cotton often receives a bad rap in the sustainable fashion world. But how many of the prevalent opinions are based on myths? At Lebenskleidung, your leading wholesaler for sustainable fabrics and organic cotton textiles, we believe it's time to debunk these myths.

A recently and updated report by the Transformers Foundation, which you can find here under this link (in English), addresses some of the most widespread myths:

1. 20,000 liters of water for 1 kg of cotton fiber?
   
   This pervasive myth suggests that cotton requires an excessive amount of water. However, the devil is in the details. Cotton farming can indeed be very water-efficient. For instance, cotton production in Turkey only consumes 656 liters of water per kilogram, while in Brazil it's 0 liters, thanks to natural rainfall. In other countries like Burkina and Argentina, cotton consumes 195 and 237 liters of water per kilogram, respectively. These figures show that regional differences are vast, and blanket statements are misplaced. Did you know that cotton in the African continent is mainly rainfed (like our organic cotton from Uganda) and thus not externally irrigated at all?

2. 25% of the world's insecticides are used for cotton?
   
   Another myth we need to address. The report reveals that cotton actually uses only 6% of the global insecticide amount. This figure starkly contrasts with what's often claimed. It's essential to be aware of these facts to make an informed decision when purchasing cotton products. It's also vital to note that organic cotton uses no pesticides at all. Good for you and good for the environment.

3. Cotton is thirsty?
   
   Yes, cotton requires water to grow, as do all plants. Some regions grappling with water scarcity have developed innovative irrigation techniques to minimize water consumption. It's crucial to remember the regional origin of the cotton and understand that "cotton" isn't a one-size-fits-all term. In some areas, it can be grown with very little additional water, while in others, it might require more. We've delved deep into this topic in our blog post about water and cotton.

4. Organic cotton uses 91% less water than conventional cotton?
   
   This statement requires context. While organic cotton is environmentally friendlier in many aspects, water consumption varies greatly depending on the farming method and region. It's not a blanket statement that organic cotton always uses 91% less water. It all depends on specific conditions and practices.

Conclusion

At Lebenskleidung, our aim is to ensure that you have all the right information. Our mission is to pave the way for a more sustainable fashion world. But to achieve this, we need to debunk myths and lean on facts. You can find all the facts at a glance in the linked report. Or you can also directly ask us. Thank you for walking this path with us.