NATURAL FIBERS #1
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A look inside the hidden face of cotton
From denims to poplins, voiles, jerseys and velvets, cotton lends itself to multiple constructions and is an integral part of our wardrobes. The world’s leading natural fiber, accounting for 23% of production, cotton has been used throughout the ages and consistently keeps pace with fashion trends. Cotton’s been in the spotlight ever since the dawning of social and environmental concerns, but what’s its actual impact? And what opportunities are now available with the development of eco-friendly and socially-responsible cotton products ?
Cotton cultivation: 3 major challenges
Cotton farming poses many challenges. Forced and child labor, irrigation, pesticides and chemical inputs are among the main issues. Work conditions Cotton farming has a long history of forced and child labor. Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and China’s Xinjiang province remain particularly problematic areas. Progress on human rights may be taking place in some countries, but the nature of forced labor is multifaceted. While child labor is no longer a systemic problem, significant progress is needed to address inherited debts, government-imposed coercive labor and deceptive recruitments.
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Water management
Cotton consumes a great deal of water at certain periods in its growth, and its sensitivity to water stress varies with its growing stage. The first weeks of flowering are a critical period, when a regular water supply must be ensured. Irrigation guarantees against poor crop performance and can avoid the risk of inadequate rainfall. For producers, it has economic advantages by protecting, stabilizing and increasing the yield and also helps with the chemical treatment of the crops. Over-irrigation is therefore common in conventional agriculture. It’s a major contributor to the run-off of water, nutrients and chemicals used for crops.
The use of synthetic phytosanitary products
The substances used to facilitate and protect cotton cultivation have significant consequences. Pesticides are still often sprayed without masks or protective clothing and their toxicity has a severe impact on the health of workers. The dispersal of inputs that accompanies excessive irrigation leads to runoff from the fields, which transports pesticides, herbicides and toxic fertilizers, polluting the surrounding bodies of water and adversely impacting the health of aquatic systems and individuals.
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Innovator l Design Thinking l Sustainability & Circular Economy I From Linear To Circular by Ellen MacArthur Foundation
2 年Would be great to have water consumption number. Are we considering rain water in the area into consumption? Then should we apply same for recycled PET as well.