In the discussion surrounding sustainable textiles, cotton has acquired an increasingly negative reputation in recent years. It is often portrayed as water-intensive, environmentally damaging, and problematic. However, closer examination reveals that many of these assumptions are oversimplified or simply wrong. At Lebenskleidung, we therefore believe it is important to conduct the debate based on facts and to consider the issues in a nuanced way.

A recent, repeatedly updated report by the Transformers Foundation sheds light on the most common myths surrounding cotton and places them in a global context. It particularly highlights how strongly cotton's ecological footprint depends on regional conditions and cultivation methods.

A frequently cited figure is the alleged water consumption of 20,000 liters for one kilogram of cotton fiber. This number does not stand up to scrutiny. In fact, water consumption varies considerably depending on the country of origin. In Turkey, for example, it is around 656 liters per kilogram, while in Brazil it is zero liters of additional irrigation, as cotton is grown there almost exclusively using natural rainfall. Even in countries like Burkina Faso or Argentina, consumption is significantly lower than the often-cited extreme figures. On the African continent, cotton is predominantly rain-irrigated – as is the case with our organic cotton from Uganda, which requires no external irrigation.

Another widespread myth concerns the use of insecticides. It's often claimed that 25 percent of the world's insecticides are used for cotton cultivation. However, according to a report by the Transformers Foundation, the actual figure is around six percent. This discrepancy highlights the importance of critically examining sources. At the same time, it's worth noting that no synthetic pesticides are used in organic cotton farming – a clear benefit for the environment, soil, and the health of local people.

The statement that cotton is inherently "thirsty" is also too simplistic. While cotton—like any plant—needs water to grow, the crucial question is where this water comes from and how efficiently it is used. In water-scarce regions, innovative irrigation techniques are increasingly being employed, while in other growing areas, rainfall is sufficient. Therefore, it is essential to consider origin and cultivation methods and not to speak of "cotton" as a uniform raw material.

The same applies to the often-quoted claim that organic cotton uses a flat 91 percent less water than conventional cotton. Here, too, the necessary context is frequently lacking. Organic cotton offers many ecological advantages, but actual water consumption depends heavily on regional conditions, soil composition, and agricultural practices. General percentages simply don't do justice to this complexity.