Responsible Cotton Production
More cotton. Less resources
Over the past 30 years, U.S. cotton has significantly reduced its environmental footprint by using
resources more efficiently. Cotton Incorporated is committed to the continuous improvement
and implementation of best practices to further improve responsible cotton production. For
more information, please visit cottontoday.cottoninc.com.
AMERICA’S COTTON PRODUCERS AND IMPORTERS. Service Marks/Trademar ks of Cotton Incorporated. © 2013 Cotton Incorporated.
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Modern production practices allow cotton growers to achieve high levels of
soil conservation and input efficiencies that increase yields (43%) and reduce
30 YEARS OF
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
production costs. Soil loss has been reduced by 68% in the last 30 years.
WATER
Cotton is drought-tolerant. Globally, cotton only accounts for 3% of the world’s
agricultural water use. About 64% of U.S. cotton is produced by naturally occur-
ring rainfall. Compared to the 1980’s, irrigation water use has declined 75% in
the U.S.
AIR
Cotton has a neutral greenhouse gas footprint when accounting for the carbon
sequestered in the fiber, plant, and soil during production. The amount of CO
2
removed by cotton plants worldwide is equivalent to taking over 7 million cars
off the road.
ENERGY
Cotton is energy positive. The energy needed to grow the plant is less than the
energy stored in the cottonseed. Stored energy can be captured directly, such
as biodiesel or other biofuels, or indirectly as feed for dairy cows. Energy use
per pound of cotton has decreased 31% in the U.S since 1980.
PESTICIDES
Pesticides enable farmers to stabilize yields and produce an abundant and
affordable supply of food and fiber. In the U.S., there has been a 50% reduction
in the number of insecticide applications over the last 25 years.
BIODEGRADABILITY
Cotton is a 100% natural cellulose fiber. Under backyard compositing condi-
tions, cotton wipes biodegrade more than 95% in four weeks. Under aerobic
and anaerobic conditions, cotton wipes biodegrade 100% in four weeks.
Sources. Field To Market: The Keystone Alliance For Sustainable Agriculture, 2012 Report;
ASTM D-6400 (composting); NSF International Labs, Flushability Guidelines 513.1 and 514.1.