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Curious about the new research on cotton emissions? We broke down the expert studies so you can see how cotton harms the environment and learn how to lower its impact.

🔍 Water Use

Cotton drinks water. It grows in dry lands and thirsty fields.

• In the U.S., irrigation water use will rise a bit by 2049. Climate change pushes this growth. Western states need more water than eastern ones. (Zhou et al., 2025)
• Irrigation uses 17% of cotton’s greenhouse gas emissions. Energy to pump and move water adds to the cost. (Carbonfact, 2024)
• Water use in cotton farms shifts with rain patterns and techniques.

Expert Tips:
• Support cotton that uses smart irrigation and rainfed methods.
• Choose brands that follow Better Cotton Initiative practices.
• Push for renewable energy in irrigation to cut water-linked emissions.

🔍 Carbon Emissions

Cotton makes a marked carbon footprint. Its emissions vary with practice.

• Global cotton farming gives off roughly 63 million tons CO₂e each year. It makes 0.9 t CO₂e for a ton of raw cotton and 1.9 t CO₂e for a ton of fiber. (Yu & Yang, 2025)
• Nitrogen fertilizer creates most emissions. It accounts for up to 66% of cotton’s footprint. (Yu & Yang, 2025; Carbonfact, 2024)
• In the U.S., N₂O from fertilizer yields 28% of the total emissions. Wet and dry climates shape this result. (Zhou et al., 2025)
• Changing farm equipment to use renewable power can drop GHGs by 24–37% worldwide. (Yu & Yang, 2025; Zhou et al., 2025)

Expert Tips:
• Pick cotton brands that improve nitrogen use and try organic fertilizers.
• Support farm innovations that use renewable energy for machines.
• Ask cotton suppliers for clear carbon records to track progress.

🚩 Did you know?
Nearly 47% of cotton’s carbon comes from making fertilizer. (Carbonfact, 2024) Manage inputs to manage emissions.

🔍 Chemical Inputs

Cotton farming uses chemicals that stress the land.

• Many cotton farms use heavy synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. These chemicals harm soil and water while adding GHGs. (Carbonfact, 2024)
• Organic cotton avoids these synthetics. It uses compost and manure. Yet even these release some N₂O. (Carbonfact, 2024)
• Across regions, chemical use can vary. Some U.S., China, Brazil farms, and developing nations show higher emissions from heavy chemical use. (Carbonfact, 2024)

Expert Tips:
• Choose organic or Better Cotton certified cotton to ease chemical impacts.
• Support farm practices that use nitrogen more efficiently and cut back on pesticides.
• Back policies that push integrated pest management and improve soil health.

🔍 Recycling & Sustainable Lifecycle

Cotton’s story does not stop at harvest.

• Tracking every step in the textile chain is hard. Yet, sustainable efforts like the Better Cotton Initiative help social and environmental care. (Carbonfact, 2024)
• Recycling cotton fiber cuts the need for new fiber. Still, fiber quality and processing can bring challenges.

Expert Tip:
• Choose brands that use recycled cotton.
• Think of ways to give cotton garments a longer life by recycling or donating them.

❓ FAQ

Q: Is organic cotton always better for the environment than conventional cotton?
A: Yes, in general. Organic cotton makes fewer emissions because it uses fewer chemicals. But region and farming style matter. In India, for example, organic cotton sometimes shows a higher footprint due to lower yields or data issues. In the end, smart practices and full transparency are key. (Carbonfact, 2024)

👉 Want to explore more about cotton’s environmental impact and how you can make a difference?

Visit Design Delight Studio’s comprehensive guide:
Environmental Impact of Cotton: Your Questions Answered

References

• Yu, Z., & Yang, Y. (2025). Carbon footprint of global cotton production. Resources, Environment and Sustainability. ScienceDirect
• Zhou, P., Zhou, Y., & Dunn, J. (2025). Environmental impacts of future cotton production in the United States. ChemRxiv. DOI: 10.26434/chemrxiv-2025-s9q4q
• Vandepaer, L. (2024). The Carbon Footprint of Cotton. Carbonfact blog. carbonfact.com

This summary uses a dependency grammar approach. Each word pair sticks close together to boost clarity and ease. Enjoy a clear, concise guide to your sustainable textile choices.

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