Why Organic Cotton Outshines Conventional Cotton? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Cotton is a cornerstone of the fashion industry in Ireland, making up about a third of the fibres used in clothes and other textiles worldwide. As more of us become conscious of sustainability, cotton's popularity continues to rise. Many of us feel good about choosing cotton clothing, thinking it's a natural, renewable, and biodegradable option. However, despite these appealing qualities, the environmental and social impact of conventionally grown cotton is much worse than we might realize. On the other hand, organic clothing made of organic cotton, which is gaining attention from eco-conscious shoppers and popular brands, may be the perfect solution.

Conventional Cotton

Yes, cotton comes from the cotton plant, making it a renewable and biodegradable material. However, the production of conventional cotton is highly problematic. Each year, it’s estimated that conventional cotton farming uses 16% of the world's insecticides and about 6% of the world's pesticides—astonishing figures for a single crop. These chemicals are often highly toxic, contaminating groundwater and releasing nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to climate change. The soil degradation caused by these chemicals leads to declining yields, pushing many farmers into poverty.

Moreover, the pesticides and fertilisers used in cotton farming can cause illnesses or even death among farmers, and they are also harmful to our skin.

Cotton is a thirsty crop, requiring approximately 2,700 litres of water to produce enough fibre for just one T-shirt. To put this into perspective, it would take the average person around 900 days to drink that much water. 

Organic Cotton

With growing awareness of cotton's harmful impact, there's been a surge in demand for organic clothing in Ireland made of organic cotton. This type of cotton is grown without using any chemicals or genetically engineered seeds. By opting for natural fertilisers instead of harmful ones, organic cotton production creates fewer greenhouse gas emissions and has a smaller environmental footprint compared to conventional methods. Plus, it's a healthier choice for both farmers and consumers.

Organic farming methods focus on replenishing and maintaining soil fertility while promoting biodiversity. Water use? Organic practices typically need less water because they use pesticide-free soil and non-GMO seeds. Also, lots of organic cotton comes from small-scale farms that often rely on rainwater. This means organic cotton uses about 90% less "blue" water compared to conventional methods.

Cotton vs. Organic Cotton

What makes organic cotton and organic clothing more environmentally friendly than conventional cotton? They're both biodegradable natural fibres, so what sets them apart? The key lies in how they're grown and produced. Organic cotton is cultivated using only eco-friendly farming methods, completely avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. In contrast, conventional cotton farming is quite intensive. On the other hand, cultivating and harvesting sustainable organic cotton are regenerative practices. They help save water, cut down on pesticide use, and lower energy consumption. And it's not just the environment that benefits from this approach; it also ensures the well-being of the people who are part of the process.

• Water Consumption

As stated previously, conventional cotton needs 2,700 litres of water for a t-shirt, while organic cotton uses only 1,100 litres, reducing water use.

• Pesticide Use

Reports mentioned that 143,000 tonnes of pesticides were used on cotton fields, impacting farmers and the environment. Organic cotton offers a safer alternative by eliminating synthetic pesticides.

• Energy Consumption & CO2 Emissions

Organic cotton farming consumes less energy due to avoiding synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. It is reported that one can reduce CO2 emissions to just 3.4 kg per t-shirt.

• Working Conditions

Organic cotton cloth manufacturers ensure fair and safe working conditions for the millions involved in the cotton industry.

Final Remarks

Although sustainable cotton and organic clothing outperform conventional cotton in terms of their environmental impact, the market share of organic cotton remains relatively low. However, with increasing consumer awareness, the proportion of organic cotton is rising. According to a popular report, the share of organic cotton in global cotton production reached approximately 0.8% in recent years, marking a 31% increase from the previous year. As demand influences supply, it's crucial for people to purchase more organic cotton products and support sustainable brands and initiatives. This effort can contribute to making the cotton production and fashion industries more sustainable.