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COTTON/INTRODUCTION
source: www.sustainablecotton.org
www.life.ca/nl/97/fibers.html
www.hemp-union.karoo.net/main/
info/textiles/book2.htm
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Cotton provides almost 50% of the world's textile needs. - Cotton is one of the most widely produced agricultural crops in the world. In 2000, about 130 countries produced it, and nearly 170 countries were involved in the export or import of the crop that was planted on 2.5% of the worlds arable land.
Cotton is commonly thought of as being a 'natural'... - and therefore eco-friendly choice. Yet the simple act of growing and harvesting the 1 pound of cotton fibre needed to make a T-shirt takes an enormous toll on the air, water, and soil, not to mention the health of people in cotton growing areas...the cotton grown for just one T-shirt requires 1/3 pound of agricultural chemicals.
The problems with clothing production don't stop in the field. - During the conversion of conventional cotton into clothing, numerous toxic chemicals are added at each stage- silicone waxes, harsh petroleum scours, softeners, heavy metals, flame and soil retardants, ammonia, and formaldehyde- to name just a few.
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