Index
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The Short Film "Now We Live in Paradise": An Example of Regenerative Agriculture
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The Sustainable Alternative: Organic Cotton and Regenerative Practices
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The Role of Consumers and Businesses in the Transition to Sustainability
Introduction
Fashion is a form of personal expression, but we rarely consider the origins of the materials we wear every day. Cotton, in particular, is one of the most widely used fabrics in the world, but its production raises significant environmental and social issues. Conventional cotton farming, especially genetically modified (GM) cotton, is associated with serious problems such as water scarcity, intensive pesticide use, and negative health impacts on farm workers. Fortunately, sustainable alternatives are emerging that demonstrate how it is possible to produce cotton in harmony with nature.
The Short Film "Now We Live in Paradise": An Example of Regenerative Agriculture
"Now We Live in Paradise" is a short film produced by Textile Exchange that tells the stories of five small-scale farmers in Brazil. These farmers have transformed degraded lands into thriving ecosystems, growing cotton alongside a variety of food crops. Through regenerative farming practices, they have restored biodiversity and improved soil fertility, demonstrating that it is possible to produce clothing materials while respecting and nurturing the surrounding environment.
The Damage of Conventional Cultivation of GMO Cotton
Global Water Crises: The Case of the Caspian Sea
Intensive cotton cultivation requires huge amounts of water, contributing significantly to water crises in several regions of the world. A case in point is the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland body of water, which is experiencing a dramatic decline in water levels. From 2005 to 2023, the Caspian Sea’s water level dropped by 185 centimeters, resulting in a loss of 31,000 square kilometers of water surface. This decline is attributed to a combination of climate change and unsustainable use of water resources, including intensive irrigation for crops such as cotton. Jerusalem Post
Impact on the Health of Agricultural Workers
The heavy use of pesticides in conventional cotton cultivation poses a serious threat to the health of agricultural workers. According to a report jointly prepared by FAO, UNEP and WHO, between 1% and 3% of agricultural workers worldwide suffer from acute pesticide poisoning, with at least one million cases requiring hospitalization each year. Symptoms can range from headaches and nausea to more serious conditions such as difficulty breathing and convulsions. Environmental Justice Foundation
Furthermore, a study conducted in Benin found that conventional cotton farmers, who use synthetic pesticides extensively, have significantly worse health than organic cotton farmers, due to insufficient use of personal protective equipment during pesticide application. okonomi.foi.dk
Environmental Degradation and Biodiversity Loss
The intensive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in conventional cotton cultivation has led to significant environmental degradation. These chemicals can contaminate soil and water resources, causing biodiversity loss and the emergence of resistant weed species. According to the Pesticide Action Network UK, adopting agro-ecological practices is essential to reduce pesticide use and mitigate these negative impacts. pan-uk.org
The Sustainable Alternative: Organic Cotton and Regenerative Practices
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and in many cases within agroecological systems where cotton coexists with other food crops. This type of regenerative approach not only protects the environment, but actively improves soil health , increases biodiversity, and restores dignity to farmers.
