De Pomme and the Better Cotton Initiative
The BCI’s goal is to improve social, economic, and environmental factors affecting the cotton sector. Everyone knows the importance of environmental issues which face us globally, such as water issues, environmental issues, and health issues – especially in the developing world.
BCI’s work is to continually improve cotton-growing practices and to have Better Cotton recognised as a mainstream sustainable commodity. Farmers associated with this program and the BCI farming practices enjoy a lot of benefits including environmental benefits, lower production costs, and better use of water.
Sustainable cotton production doesn’t just benefit the environment it also improves the lives of the farmers and their families. In India, where BCI worked in nine states in 2011, the 35,000 Better Cotton farmers used 40% less commercial pesticides and 20% less water than conventional farmers, while at the same time having on average a 20% greater productivity and 50% higher profits.
In addition to technical training, many of these international programmes also incorporate literacy training, women’s skill building, health and safety courses, and commitments to end child labour.
As a team we worked closely with our suppliers to implement the above initiatives. De Pomme continues to work with one of the key suppliers that adopted the BCI initiative. So the De Pomme cotton garments are made up of Better Cotton and the dyes are bio degradable, so we are all doing our bit for the environment!