Organic is hot and happening at the moment. Whether it is food or clothing, organic products are gaining popularity. Even though everything organic is gaining fans, both organic and regular cotton have some advantages and disadvantages.
As I have a scientific background, I want to take a look at both sides of the story as I am not pro or con organic. I looked into the differences between organic and conventional cotton production so I can help you form a conscious choice of which products suit you opinion.
Organic Cotton
Advantages
- Low use of pesticides and chemicals
- Less soil erosion
- Crop rotation
- Use of natural predators with pest insects
Disadvantages
- High land use
- High water consumption (twice as high as conventional)
- High emission of greenhouse gasses
- Organic pesticides allowed
Regular Cotton
Advantages
- High yield
Disadvantages
- Genetic modified crop for high yield (a GMO is a plant which has a piece of foreign genetic material inserted by a virus)
- High use of (synthetic) pesticides and chemicals
- Poor working conditions for the farmers
As you just read, the production of cotton demands a lot of our dear planet. Whether you prefer organic or regular cotton depends on what you think is more important. If you don’t want anything to do with GMO’s, organic is your choice. Do you think efficient soil and water use is more important than your choice is regular cotton.
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