What has improved about cotton's environmental footprint over the years?

The choice that highlights the improvement in cotton's environmental footprint accurately reflects a significant shift in agricultural practices and sustainability efforts over recent years. The reduction in the use of insecticides and pesticides is a major advancement in cotton cultivation.

As awareness of environmental impacts has risen, farmers have increasingly adopted integrated pest management (IPM) practices and other sustainable farming techniques. These methods help to minimize chemical inputs by utilizing natural predators, crop rotation, and other ecological strategies to manage pest problems more effectively. This shift not only benefits the environment by reducing chemical runoff and soil degradation but also contributes to better health outcomes for farm workers and surrounding communities.

While water usage and energy consumption in cotton production are areas where improvements are needed and ongoing efforts are in place, the widespread adoption of better pest management practices has had a more pronounced impact on the reduction of chemicals used in cotton farming. The push towards organic cotton, while gaining traction, does not represent the entire industry's improvements, as not all cotton can be certified organic, and many still rely on conventional methods. Therefore, the focus on decreasing the reliance on harmful insecticides and pesticides exemplifies the progress made in making cotton farming more sustainable.