Cotton is a natural vegetable fibre. Grown in a tropical climate, it is produced mainly in China, India and the southern USA.
Cotton is the largest consumer of water in world agriculture, and its cultivation requires a significant amount of fertilisers, pesticides and insecticides*. The process of transforming the fibre into fabric requires many steps, which increases its carbon footprint. In addition, in order to soften and/or dye the fibre, many chemical treatments are necessary. Organic and/or certified cotton is therefore preferred.
* source : www.worldwildlife.org/industries/cotton