The process of converting raw cotton into yarns, fabrics & garments requires even more water. Dyestuffs & chemicals deplete & pollute the limited fresh water around production facilities, & are a major contributor to CO2 emissions.
Textile production today is one of the most environmentally detrimental industries in the world. Cotton is a major raw material. It is natural & renewable, but due to large quantities of fertilizers, pesticides, & water needed for ts cultivation, it is an extremely resource intensive crop.
When a garment is produced, approximately 20% of fabric used turns into waste. This waste is traditionally discarded, burned, exported, or down-cycled into low quality fabrics, insulation & padding materials.