1. Seeds
Organic cotton: Only 1% of the world’s cotton is organic. The seeds for planting cotton must be [non-GMO]. Due to low consumption demand, it is becoming more and more difficult to obtain non-GMO seeds.
Genetically modified: Traditional cotton is usually grown with genetically modified seeds. Changes in these genes may have a negative impact on the toxicity and allergies of crops, but the crop yield and environment are generally unknown.
2. Water consumption
Organic cotton: 91% of water consumption can be reduced during the planting process. 80% of organic cotton is grown in dry land. Technologies such as composting and crop rotation make the soil more water-absorbent and increase the effectiveness of water use. Watering is not necessary.
Genetically modified: Conventional farming practices reduce soil water absorption, so more water is needed.
3. Chemicals
Organic cotton: non-toxic pesticides, because there are no toxic chemicals, make cotton farmers, workers and agricultural communities healthier. (The harm of genetic modification and pesticides to cotton farmers and workers is unimaginable.)
Genetically modified: 25% of the pesticide use in the world is concentrated on traditional cotton. Aldicarb, parathion, and methamidophos are the three most serious pesticides commonly used in traditional cotton production. Of course, they are harmful to humans. The health hazard is the greatest.
4. Land
Organic cotton: reduce 70% acidification; reduce 26% soil erosion, improve soil quality, lower carbon dioxide emissions, and have improved drought and flood resistance.
Genetically modified: reduce soil fertility and biodiversity; soil erosion and degradation; toxic synthetic fertilizer flows into runoff with precipitation.
5. Impact
Organic cotton: Organic cotton = a safe environment, reducing global warming, reducing energy use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving the diversity of the ecosystem and reducing farmers’ financial risks.
Genetically modified: Fertilizer production, field fertilizer decomposition and tractor operation are important potential causes of global warming; increase health hazards for farmers and consumers; reduce biodiversity.
