Environmental Impact

Organic cotton cultivation does not require the use of fossil-fuel based fertilizers as farmers use natural cotton-growing methods instead. Working with natural resources only is therefore a synonym of healthier soils and a step forward on reducing the negative impacts of climate change.

Water Consumption

In 2019, the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report (GRR) has listed water crises among the top-five risks in terms of impact for eight consecutive years, and the majority of cotton is grown in countries facing water shortages. Organic cotton represents a better, water efficient method to conventional cotton production. Hazardous synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are not used in organic farming, ensuring that rivers, lakes and drinking water are kept clean.

Health of the Soils

Organic farming is achieved without the use of pesticides. Through crop rotations and companion planting soil fertility is built naturally, locking in CO2 into the soil. The use of natural methods like composting help creating healthy soils, acting like a sponge, soaking up water during floods and holding it for longer during droughts.

GMO’s and Toxic Chemicals

Conventional cotton alone is responsible for 16% of all insecticides sold worldwide. Organic farmers use natural methods like crop rotation to control pests and diseases, not chemical cocktails. Certifications such as GOTS, Organic Content Standard (OCS) and GOPCA confirm that only GMO-free seeds were used to grow the organic crop.

Safe Work

Growing organic cotton keeps farmers and their families safe. They are not exposed to toxic chemicals in the field or through their food and water supply. It also means farmers grow more than one crop, supplementing their food source and overall income.

Quality of Life

Pesticide poisoning isn’t limited to the environment. Food and water supplies can be easily contaminated from runoff, and it’s the local communities, sometimes already facing hardship, that suffer through disease, illness and even birth defects. In many developing countries, cotton is hand-picked. This burdensome task is often done by children, taking them away from pursuing a life-changing education while running the risk of injury and illness.

Organic cotton is a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional cotton, as it avoids the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides, promotes soil health and water conservation, preserves biodiversity, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.