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Ever since the United Nations General Assembly declared 2009
the International Year of Natural Fibers, the future of the
global cotton industry becomes clearer. As one of the most
commonly used products in the world, cotton is more than
just a product. Everything from its production to actual
usage impacts countless people. Thus, the time has come for
the industry to consider its impact on its environment
beyond that of the business itself.
The global trend of greater environmental consciousness is
permeating all spheres of life, influencing everything from
personal lifestyle choices to buying behaviors. At every
stage of the process of cotton, the environmental impact and
its consequences on the life of the people connected to them
must be considered. Thus, the concept of organic cotton has
recently gained increasing attention.
This issue, we are focusing on organic cotton. Through
various articles, we discuss the issues surrounding the
cultivation and cost-effectiveness of organic cotton and the
environmental impact of conventionally grown cotton.
The solution is a complex one; conventional cotton is
easier, cheaper and faster to grow and gives a higher yield.
However, organic cotton continues to enjoy rapid increase in
demand due to rising awareness and consciousness for the
environment. No company alone can employ this strategy
profitably. It is time to realize that the organic cotton,
although it accounts for a small portion of the total global
cotton production, is the wave of change towards
eco-friendly products. Ultimately, the onus depends not on
one company or even a particular industry – it is a united
effort we must take. We look forward to newer ways in which
the global cotton industry will continue to give the world a
greener future. ¨
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