Evaluating Cotton’s Environmental Stewardship
February 4, 2009 As cotton producers, you know the tremendous gains our industry has made to reduce cotton’s environmental footprint and preserve natural resources. From genetically-enhanced varieties and integrated pest management, to precision-farming technology that allows site-specific applications, cotton is more environmentally friendly today than ever before.
Now we need to quantify those gains and use that information to promote cotton to the world … and we need your help. On July 15, our Ag Research division will go live with an anonymous online survey to gain a clearer understanding of producer environmental stewardship. This “Sustainability Impacts of U.S. Cotton Production Survey” will not only add value to your “Research and Promotion Program,” it will help you become more profitable in the long run because it will assist us in designing projects, promotions and information to increase demand for cotton.
Unlike most surveys, we are not selling anything or sharing the survey information with others. To participate, you must only have direct responsibility for a cotton production operation.
We can capitalize on increased consumer scrutiny by showing cotton’s true environmental accomplishments. Starting July 15, I urge you to log onto cottoninc.com, click on the survey link and participate.
“I’m Not a Plastic Bag,” created by British Designer Anya Hindmarch, is one of this year’s cotton must-haves.
The cotton canvas tote bag is designed to be used in lieu of traditional plastic shopping bags. As of now, the bags are available only at a few U.S. locations, with plans to begin selling the bag at many east coast-based Whole Food stores in June.
In response to the “I’m Not A Plastic Bag” promotion, Cotton Incorporated created its own version of the reusable shopping bag. Cotton Incorporated’s Public Relations Director Robin Merlo said, “Our PR firm, Fleishman Hillard – China, saw the popularity of Anya Hindmarch’s ‘I’m not a Plastic Bag’ and suggested we create the cotton tote, ‘I’m a Cotton Bag.’” The bag was an instant hit. Cotton Incorporated now has “I’m a Cotton Bag” totes in English, Chinese and Spanish.
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