The Environmental Impact of Cotton Farming

Why Cotton Farming Matters

The environmental footprint of cotton begins farming begins before the fabric is woven. Main factors to consider are:

• Water use.
• Pesticides and fertilisers.
• Soil health.
• Biodiversity.
• Long-term land management.

A Glance at The Impact of Cotton Farming 

Overall, the impact of cotton farming varies significantly depending on how and where it is grown, as well as the standards put in place in each region. 

The Impact of Water Use

Cotton is often criticised for being water-intensive, and in some parts of the world, that is true. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s leading conservation organisation, lists water consumption as one of cotton’s main environmental pressures.

But cotton is not grown under one fixed set of conditions. Water use varies depending on climate, rainfall, and irrigation. Some cotton-growing systems place much more pressure on local water supplies than others.

That is why broad statements about cotton can be misleading. The more useful question is how the crop is grown, and whether water is being managed responsibly.

What Sustainable Organisations Say

Cotton farming can rely heavily on pesticides and synthetic fertilisers, which can affect the environment. Better Cotton, the world’s leading sustainability programme for cotton, reports that cotton farming accounts for 4.7% of global pesticide sales and 10% of global insecticide sales, highlighting the significance of the problem.

Using pesticides and fertilisers can mean:

• more pressure on local ecosystems.
• runoff into rivers and groundwater.
• declining soil quality over time.
• higher emissions linked to fertiliser use.
  

This is why there are campaigns to improve cotton farming. Farmers who adopt the ‘Better Cotton’ standards commit to: 

• minimise the harmful impact of crop protection practices.
• use water efficiently and care for the availability of water.
• care for the health of the soil.
• conserve natural habitats.
• care for and preserve the quality of the fibre.

• and promote decent work.

Farmers who adopt these best management practices are growing healthier cotton, with less pesticide, fertiliser, and water overruns. This has already made significant improvements. The WWF gave one example of farmers in Pakistan. 

They said: “97% of the water in the Indus River is to produce crops such as cotton. Now, over 75,000 Pakistani farmers have reduced their water use by 39%, helping to ease pressure on the Indus River.”

Textile Exchange, another non-profit organisation driving sustainability in the textile industry, also addresses the issues. They also highlight that conventional cotton production can be chemically intensive. Pesticides affect soil and water, and synthetic fertilisers contribute to water contamination and greenhouse gas emissions.

Over time, the water use and fertilisers can impact the soil health and biodiversity. Cotton is not just a finished fabric. It is an agricultural material, and how it is grown shapes its wider impact.

Organic Cotton Doesn't Hamrful Chemicals

Not all cotton is grown in the same way. Some is farmed more intensively, which can put greater pressure on water, soil, and surrounding ecosystems. Other cotton is grown to lower-impact standards, with more careful farming practices and stricter limits on chemical use.

Organic cotton is one example, as it is grown without any synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. At Rise & Fall we use organic cotton for our bedding and non-blended cotton apparel.

Manufacturing Standards Matter

The environmental impact of cotton does not end at the farming stage. Spinning, weaving and dyeing all affect water use, energy demand, and traceability. 

At Rise & Fall, we work with long-standing suppliers, including Premier Fine Linens and The Creative Texture, both of which oversee multiple stages of production in-house. Premier Fine Linens is a fully vertical factory, handling everything from spinning and weaving to dyeing, finishing and make-up, while The Creative Texture manages production from the weaving stage onwards. This kind of integrated production can support stronger quality control, better traceability, and more consistent standards across the supply chain.

Both factories are certified to standards including GOTS, OEKO-TEX, Fair Trade, GRS, and ISO 9001, helping support traceability and responsible manufacturing practices. 

Both also generate around 70% of their energy from renewable wind sources. At Premier Fine Linens, 99% of the water used is recycled. 

Of course, these kinds of measures do not make cotton impact-free, but they do show how manufacturing decisions can help reduce the footprint of the final product.

What To Look For When Buying Cotton

Cotton is still one of the best fibres for comfort and practicality, but sourcing matters. The more transparent a brand is about its materials, the easier it is to make a more informed choice.

When looking at cotton bedding, it is worth paying attention to:

• fibre sourcing.
• organic or lower-impact cotton options.
• transparency around materials.
  
• quality that supports long-term use.

The last point matters. Cotton that keeps in good condition and can be used for years to come offers a much better outcome than clothing or bedding that needs to be replaced frequently.

FAQs on Cotton Farming

1. Is cotton farming bad for the environment?

It can be, especially where water use, pesticides, and fertilisers are poorly managed. But the impact varies depending on how and where the cotton is grown.

2. Why is cotton criticised for water use?

It is sometimes criticised because in some regions cotton relies heavily on irrigation, which can put pressure on local water systems.

3. Is organic cotton better?

In many cases, it can be a lower-impact option because it avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilisers.

4. Can cotton bedding still be a good environmental choice?

Yes. Good cotton bedding can still be a strong choice, especially when the fibre is sourced more responsibly, and the product is made to last.