The importance of sustainable clothing to reduce the negative impact on the environment is increasingly on the rise. This has led many people to wonder if sustainable clothing is a good option. Clothing made from organic cotton is more sustainable than clothing made from conventional cotton.
Sustainability is not just a passing fad, but an urgent need for the textile industry, given that cotton is one of the most widely used materials in clothing manufacturing. In this article, we are going to take an in-depth look at the differences between organic and conventional cotton and why the former is, in most cases, much more sustainable for the planet.
Organic cotton
To understand why organic cotton presents a more sustainable option, we must first understand its production process. According to the WWF, the production of a conventional cotton T-shirt requires around 2.700 litres of water. In contrast, only about 243 litres of water are needed for an organic cotton T-shirt, according to a study by the Soil AssociationThis more rational water consumption is due to the fact that organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which commonly increase the need to water the plants.
Furthermore, another important aspect of organic crops is that they rely more on rainwater and more conscious soil management, which improves water efficiency. This, in turn, prevents the groundwater pollution with chemicals typically used in conventional cotton farming.
This doesn't mean that organic cotton is without its problems. As Liesl Truscott, director of the Textile Exchange, organic cotton production still accounts for less than 1% of global production. The small size of this market means that many of the environmental benefits of organic techniques have not yet been maximised on a full global scale.
What are the environmental implications of organic cotton production?
Although organic cotton uses less water and does not rely on synthetic chemicals, the issues affecting its sustainability go beyond water consumption. According to a report by the Textile Exchange, organic cotton farming reduces the carbon footprint by 46% compared to conventional cotton thanks to the absence of fertilizers and pesticides, which often emit nitrogen dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
This is aggravated in the case of conventional cotton due to the adoption of genetically modified seeds, which require more abundant irrigation and intensive use of pesticides. Eliminating these factors in organic cotton production reduces emissions and promotes more responsible use of agricultural land.
In terms of toxicity, a 2011 study by Water Footprint concluded that the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers on conventional cotton causes significant water pollution, while organic farming can reduce pollution by 98%.
The performance of organic cotton versus conventional cotton
While organic cotton has many environmental benefits, some critics point to its lower agricultural yield. According to a 2015 report by Cotton Inc.Organic crops tend to be 20% to 30% less productive than conventional crops. This means that to obtain the same amount of cotton, more land is needed.
However, this argument is countered by the fact that organic crops are usually combined with other agricultural products, which helps to improve soil biodiversity and reduce the intensive use of natural resources. In addition, many small farmers Organic cotton farmers also benefit from diversified crops, helping them ensure food security and economic stability.
Recycling and biodegradability of organic cotton
Another aspect that makes organic cotton more sustainable is its ability to be recycled and its biodegradability. However, recycling cotton is not as simple as it may seem. Although cotton garments can be recycled, the quality of the fibers deteriorates in the process, resulting in recycled fibers being shorter and of lower quality.
An emerging option to overcome this problem is the chemical recycling, where cotton is broken down into cellulose to create a new fiber. Although promising, this process has not yet been widely adopted, limiting the scope of cotton recycling today.
Still, the fact that organic cotton is biodegradable offers a considerable advantage over conventional cotton, especially when you consider that many textiles end up in landfills where they can take years to decompose.
Organic Cotton Certifications
It is crucial to ensure that the cotton we buy is actually organic. An effective way to do this is to look for certifications that support the sustainability of the product at all stages of its production process. The main certifications to look for are:
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): a standard that guarantees that at least 70% of the fabrics are organic fibres and that the production process complies with environmental and social requirements.
- OCS 100: certifies products that contain between 95% and 100% organic cotton.
- OEKO-TEX: This certification ensures that the cotton has been processed without chemicals harmful to human health.
Recognition of these certifications is vital to ensure that our clothing has been produced in conditions that are responsible to the planet and to those involved in its cultivation and manufacture.
Choosing garments made from organic cotton is not only a more sustainable decision for the environment, but it also benefits the people involved in its production, promoting a more ethical and fair industry. With a growing awareness of the impact of our consumption decisions, more and more brands are joining this trend, facilitating access to more responsible options.