Water Cost Of A Cotton T-Shirt: How Many Litres?

Did you know that your favourite cotton t-shirt required 2,700 litres of water to be produced? That's enough drinking water for one person for 900 days. The fashion industry is a massive consumer of water, with cotton being one of the biggest culprits. With 2 billion t-shirts sold and bought globally every year, the environmental impact of a single t-shirt is significant.

Cotton farming is the largest consumer of water in the apparel supply chain

Cotton is a thirsty crop. It takes 2,700 litres of water to make a single t-shirt—that's enough drinking water for one person for 900 days. Cotton farming is the largest consumer of water in the apparel supply chain. Globally, 70% of accessible freshwater is used to grow crops, and cotton accounts for 40% of textile production.

Cotton farming's water consumption is divided into three types of impact: evaporation of infiltrated rainwater for cotton growth (green water use), withdrawal of groundwater or surface water for irrigation or processing (blue water use), and water pollution during growth or processing (dilution water use). A study from 1997 to 2001 showed that 42% of the water footprint of cotton consumption was blue water, 39% was green water, and 19% was dilution water.

Cotton is mainly grown in dry regions such as Egypt, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan, where freshwater is already scarce. Irrigation methods further strain water resources. About 53% of the global cotton field is irrigated, producing 73% of the world's cotton. In addition to water consumption, cotton production contributes to water pollution. Cotton growing uses 16-24% of insecticides and up to 40% of pesticides applied to fields globally, threatening clean water supplies and contributing to the deterioration of aquatic life.

The fashion industry's water consumption is a growing concern, especially with the projected increase in apparel consumption due to the rising global population. By 2030, the fashion industry's water consumption is expected to increase by 50%. As a result, companies are taking action to improve their water management practices and adopt more sustainable sources of cotton. For example, Gap Inc. has committed to sourcing 100% of its cotton from more sustainable sources by 2025, and H&M sourced 100% of its cotton from recycled, organic, and other more sustainable sources in 2023.

To reduce the environmental impact of the apparel supply chain, it is crucial to address water consumption and pollution in cotton farming, as it is the largest consumer of water in the industry.

Cotton is genetically modified to resist pests, which can lead to problems like the emergence of superweeds

Cotton is a very thirsty crop, with 2,700 litres of water needed to make a single t-shirt. This is enough water for one person to drink for 900 days. The fashion industry consumes 79 billion cubic meters of water annually, and this figure is expected to increase by 50% by 2030.

Cotton is often genetically modified to resist pests, which can lead to the emergence of "superweeds". These superweeds are herbicide-resistant and can infest fields, reducing crop yields. The development of superweeds has been linked to the overuse of glyphosate-based herbicides on genetically modified crops. To combat this, farmers are using more toxic pesticides which can be harmful to humans and livestock.

The use of GMO crops has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it has led to the emergence of herbicide-resistant superweeds and a reduction in biodiversity. However, supporters of GMO crops claim that they have reduced the volume of pesticide sprays and improved soil health.

The "Biosafety Law of Genetically Modified Organisms" in Mexico regulates the cultivation of genetically modified cotton and other biotech crops. The law requires a step-by-step and case-by-case evaluation of the potential risks and environmental impacts of GMO crops. This includes assessing the risk of gene flow to wild relatives, the impact on non-target organisms, and the potential for the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds and insect pests.

While the use of GMO crops has benefits such as improved pest control and higher yields, there are also potential risks and negative impacts that need to be carefully monitored and managed.

The fashion industry consumed 79 billion cubic meters of water in 2015

The fashion industry is a major consumer and polluter of water. In 2015, the industry consumed 79 billion cubic meters of water—enough to fill 32 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. This amount is expected to increase by 50% by 2030. The fashion industry's water consumption has a significant environmental impact, especially considering the Earth's limited water resources.

Water is used at various stages of garment production, from growing plants and raising animals for fabrics to the manufacturing and dyeing processes. For example, producing a single cotton t-shirt can require approximately 2700-3000 liters of water, enough water for one person to drink for 900 days. This high water usage is a concern, especially in water-stressed regions where fashion crops are often grown, such as China, India, the US, Pakistan, and Turkey.

The manufacturing stage also contributes to the industry's water footprint. Fabric dyeing and treatment result in wastewater being discharged back into water systems, often untreated, contaminating them with toxins and heavy metals. Additionally, the washing and care of clothing by consumers further add to the industry's water usage.

To address these issues, some companies are integrating sustainability principles into their business strategies. There is a growing trend towards more sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the fashion industry, with brands adopting water reduction initiatives and wastewater treatment methods. However, there is still a long way to go, and it is crucial for both large and small brands to prioritize water management and reduction initiatives to reduce their environmental impact.

The fashion industry is the second most water-intensive industry in the world

Cotton is a very thirsty crop, and cotton farming is the largest consumer of water in the apparel supply chain. It is used in 40% of clothing worldwide and requires 7,000-29,000 litres of water to produce just one kilogram of raw cotton. The irrigation needed for cotton crops puts stress on local water supplies and depletes aquifers and groundwater that take thousands of years to replenish.

The fashion industry's water consumption is particularly concerning given that 2.7 billion people currently experience water scarcity. The United Nations has named the fashion industry as the second most polluting industry in the world, responsible for 8% of carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater.

In addition to its water consumption, the fashion industry also contributes significantly to water pollution. About 8,000 synthetic chemicals are used to turn raw materials into textiles, and around 20% of industrial water pollution globally comes from the treatment and dyeing of textiles. These chemicals contaminate the billions of litres of water used to process textiles and are then discharged into waterways.

The fashion industry's water footprint is not limited to the production phase. Washing clothing using washing machines is estimated to require an additional 20 billion cubic meters of water per year globally, with clothing accounting for over two-thirds of this water use.

Cotton is a very thirsty crop

The fashion industry is a massive consumer and polluter of fresh water, and one of the biggest culprits is cotton. The production of a single T-shirt requires 2,700 litres of water, the equivalent of 70 showers, and enough drinking water for one person for 900 days. This is because water is used at almost every stage of a T-shirt's life cycle, from growing the cotton to manufacturing and transporting the garment.

The textile industry uses around 93 billion cubic metres of water annually, representing 4% of global freshwater withdrawal. This is a staggering amount, especially considering that 2.7 billion people currently experience water scarcity. The fashion industry's water consumption is projected to increase by 50% by 2030, which will put even more strain on water supplies.

Cotton farming is the largest consumer of water in the apparel supply chain, and it is used in 40% of all clothing worldwide. However, there is some good news: companies are making strides in reducing their water footprint for cotton. Major textile brands are moving towards more eco-friendly cotton production, and organisations like the WWF are working with farmers to develop sustainable farming methods that use less water.

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