Why should EVERYONE have an interest in Sustainability? Well, aside from the obvious impacts of global warming (like the current conflagration in Australia), the fact is that everything we do or touch has an impact on the Earth. Even the clothes we wear have an impact. ‘How you might ask’? Well, here’s how:
Cotton is the most commonly used fabric for clothing in the world; it’s grown in over 100 countries and accounts for 2.5% of the Earth’s cultivated land.
Cotton, however, is a very thirsty crop; according to the World Wildlife Federation it takes nearly 5300 gallons of water to produce about 2 pounds of cotton—enough to make 1 t-shirt.
Further, it’s estimated that the textile manufacturing as a whole accounts for 20% of industrial water pollution and the fashion industry is responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions (from sustainability metrics company Quantis)
Other notable negatives associated with cotton growth include:
16% of the world’s insecticides are used for raising cotton despite only 2.5% of cultivated land being used to grow it.
3 of the most hazardous insecticides to human health (WHO) are in the top 10 used for cotton production
Nitrogen-based fertilizers used for cotton can cause algae blooms or “oxygen-free dead zones” and harm freshwater habitats (the Organic Trade Association).
the combination of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers causes severe soil depletion and erosion (World Wildlife Federation)
So what can be done to reduce the carbon footprint we leave and perhaps HELP our planet? There’s a couple of ways actually; one involving transforming the industry to “regeneration” and the other involves you.
Green America has developed a Soil Carbon Index, the world’s first agricultural standard for soil health, which it claims can leverage the power of farmers, food companies, scientists, consumers and other stakeholders to demand change in the industry. It hopes to reverse environmental damage and reduce threats to communities by advocating ditching of mechanization, pesticides and chemical fertilizers for no-till methods, animal integration and composting on an industry-wide scale thereby protecting farmers and reducing pollution.
Discussions with farmers and apparel companies about these concepts is leading to “regeneration” progress. Two recent success stories include 1) The North Face which unveiled a Cali Wool Collection in September 2018 which showcases clothing and accessories produced by California farms using regenerative methods; and 2) Wrangler’s announcement in 2019 of a new denim jeans line that uses 30% recycled cotton and a 99% elimination of water used in their dyeing process. Both are encouraging signs for the industry.
The other way to personally have a sustainability impact, is for YOU to support companies having “green” practices in place. Below is a scorecard of such practices for several leading retailers which was put together by Green America. Look it over and decide who should get your $ the next time you buy clothes. Don’t think that your dollars don’t count…they do! And you can also write to apparel retailers/manufacturers and ask them to support the Soil Carbon Index.
Cotton may be as white as any natural fiber out there….but turning it green is important to the Earth’s and thus our future. You can help. Remember: “Sustainability Starts With YOU”…..
