
Organic cotton is often presented as the more ecological alternative to traditional cotton. Is it really less energy-intensive? Where is it produced? Does organic mean ecological?
What does “organic cotton” really mean?
Organic cotton is not inherently polluting in itself. In fact, organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers , reducing the potentially harmful environmental impact of cotton growing on local ecosystems and the health of farm workers.
However, organic cotton production may still have negative environmental impacts if not managed responsibly . For example, growing organic cotton may require significant amounts of water for irrigation , which can worsen water shortage problems in some areas. In addition, Organic cotton production and transportation can also emit greenhouse gases and contribute to climate change .
Additionally, organic certification itself can also contribute to pollution, as the audits and inspections required to verify compliance with organic standards can involve frequent movement of people and equipment, which can impact the environment.
Where is organic cotton produced?
Organic cotton is produced in many countries around the world, but some of the major producers include India, Turkey, China, the United States, Pakistan, Peru and Uzbekistan .
These countries have different climatic conditions and specific environmental and social regulations for organic cotton production. For example, India is one of the largest organic cotton producers in the world due to its long tradition of organic farming and commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. Turkey is also a major producer of organic cotton due to its climate suitable for cotton growing and its commitment to encouraging organic farming.
It is important to note that organic cotton production is expanding in many other countries due to the growing demand for environmentally friendly products and the adoption of sustainable production standards.
Does organic always mean ecological?
It then becomes essential to differentiate between the terms "organic" and "ecological".
The terms " organic " and " ecological " are often used to describe production methods, foods or practices that have different impacts on the environment .
The term "organic" generally refers to foods or products that are manufactured without the use of synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, and growth hormones. Organic products are also grown in healthy soils and are often held to higher food quality standards than conventional products. In other words, the term organic is often used to describe farming practices that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
On the other hand, the term "ecological" generally refers to practices that have a minimal impact on the environment as a whole . This may include the use of renewable energy sources , the waste reduction , the responsible management of natural resources and taking into account environmental impact in all business decisions.
In short, "organic" often focuses on food production and cultivation without synthetic chemicals, while "ecological" focuses on broader practices that aim to minimize environmental impact as a whole. However, these terms are often used interchangeably and it is important to check the specific practices of a product or company to understand its true impact on the environment.
Did you know?
Making a hair towel (80x45cm) in traditional cotton requires 3500L of water , or 70 showers (on average 50L/shower)! With organic cotton, it's about 10x less in the best case. Add to that the water needed to maintain these towels in the machines, and this time, Whatever the type of cotton used , the quantity of water is the same, approximately 650L over 24 months of use , i.e. 13 additional showers ...
In conclusion, although organic cotton cultivation reduce some of the environmental impacts associated with conventional cotton production , it is important to consider the entire product life cycle to minimize potential negative environmental impacts. This may include sustainable practices for the production, processing and distribution of organic cotton.
Saying that organic cotton linen is eco-friendly can therefore seem paradoxical when taking into account the quantities of water used for its production , journey required to import it to France and finally some quantities of water needed for its maintenance during machine washing.