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Subject: You Asked — Unlocking Carbon Transparency in Cotton Supply Chains 🌿

You ask. We answer. Carbon data in cotton supply chains can help us choose eco-friendly options. We care about sustainable textiles. Today, we use trusted research and expert facts to show cotton’s carbon costs. We track it from farm to fabric. We share steps for sustainable cotton use and buying.

🔍 Water Use in Cotton Production
Cotton needs much water. The Textile Exchange’s 2024 Materials Market Report shows water use changes by region and growing method. Conventional farms use irrigation. Irrigation, plus pump energy, adds greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

• Tip: Use cotton with Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) labels. They aim for smart water use.
• Tip: Back brands that show their source. They often reduce irrigation through rain-fed farms.
• Tip: Choose organic cotton. It may use less water, but check by region.

🚩 Highlight: Irrigation adds about 17% of GHG emissions in cotton farming.
(2021 Better Cotton Initiative Study; summarized by Laurent Vandepaer, Carbonfact)

🔍 Carbon Emissions: Conventional vs Organic Cotton
The carbon cost of cotton lies between 1.15 kg CO2e and 7.48 kg CO2e per kilogram of fiber. Growing practices change the score. Conventional cotton farms use many synthetic fertilizers. That use fuels 47% of cotton’s GHG emissions. Organic farms use natural chemicals. They usually lower carbon output but may vary by location (for example, in India).

• Tip: Look for organic or BCI cotton. These limit synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
• Tip: Ask brands for carbon reports. Demand Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on cotton.
• Tip: Urge brands to use renewable energy for heavy energy needs like ginning.

🚩 Highlight: Fertilizer production drives nearly half of cotton’s GHG emissions.
(2021 Better Cotton Initiative LCA Study; detailed by Laurent Vandepaer, Carbonfact)

🔍 Chemical Inputs: Pesticides and Fertilizers in Cotton Farming
Conventional cotton needs many chemicals. Pesticides can harm soil and water. Organic cotton avoids synthetic chemicals. Yet, natural fertilizers break down and still form nitrous oxide, a strong greenhouse gas.

• Tip: Support BCI programs that cut harmful chemicals. They help soil health with crop rotation.
• Tip: Favor recycled cotton or blends. They lower the need for chemical-intensive raw cotton.

🚩 Highlight: Pesticide runoff harms ecosystems near cotton farms. Supply chain clarity is urgent.
(USDA and Textile Exchange environmental reports)

🔍 Recycling Cotton: Closing the Loop in Supply Chains
Recycled cotton can cut carbon and water use. It skips the farming stage. Traceability is hard in long supply chains. It is tough to check recycled content.

• Tip: Pick brands that trace recycled cotton fibers clearly.
• Tip: Try circular fashion ideas like take-back or repair programs. They extend cotton garment life.
• Tip: Demand industry standards for carbon data that guide your buys.

❓ FAQ:
Is organic cotton always better for the climate than conventional cotton?
Not always. Organic cotton avoids synthetic chemicals and often has lower carbon. Yet, local farming may change this. For instance, organic cotton in India can have a higher footprint. Check for third-party certification and clear data.

👉 Want to know more and choose sustainable cotton? Visit
Environmental Impact of Cotton: Your Questions Answered

Sources:

• Vandepaer, Laurent. “The Carbon Footprint of Cotton.” Carbonfact Blog, 7 Nov. 2024. https://www.carbonfact.com/blog/carbon-footprint-of-cotton
• 2021 Better Cotton Initiative GHG Emissions Study https://bettercotton.org/
• Textile Exchange Materials Market Report 2024 https://textileexchange.org/
• USDA Reports on Pesticides and Soil Health https://usda.gov/

Stay informed. Stay empowered. Each cotton choice helps our planet. 🌱

— Your Sustainable Textiles Content Strategist

Design Delight Studio is your trusted partner in sustainable textiles, committed to transparency and eco-innovation. Learn more at designdelightstudio.myshopify.com