Cotton and Organic Cotton: The Sustainable Fabric Dilemma

Cotton is everywhere—half of all textiles are made from it, and it’s a staple in everything from clothing to home textiles. Providing livelihoods for over 250 million people globally, cotton’s versatility and comfort have made it one of the most beloved fabrics. However, there’s a hidden cost to this natural fiber that many of us overlook.

The Environmental Impact of Cotton

Despite being biodegradable and natural, cotton production is surprisingly harmful to the environment. The industry is responsible for a staggering amount of agrochemicals—220,000 tons of pesticides and 8.8 million tons of fertilizer annually. Additionally, cotton requires vast amounts of water, contributing to the depletion of major ecosystems like the Aral Sea in Central Asia, the Indus Delta in Pakistan, and the Murray Darling River in Australia.

Beyond the environmental toll, cotton production often relies on exploitative labor practices. In many regions, child labor and forced labor remain tragic realities in the fields and factories. Young children work in harsh conditions, often for little to no pay, supporting families trapped in cycles of poverty.