About World Cotton Day
Observed annually on October 7th, World Cotton Day is a global celebration of one of the world's most important and widely-used natural fibers.
From the clothes on our backs to the towels we use every day, cotton plays a vital role in our lives and the global economy. This day provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the cotton sector and the millions of people it supports, from farmers and researchers to processors and traders.
About World Cotton Day
The observance was initiated by the World Trade Organization on behalf of the Cotton Four (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali) to raise awareness about the crucial role that cotton plays in economic development, international trade, and poverty alleviation.
Cotton is a resilient crop that thrives in dry climates, providing income and employment in some of the world's poorest rural areas. The day highlights the fiber's versatility and its ability to bring about positive change and sustainability.
Did you know? A single bale of cotton can make about 215 pairs of jeans, 250 bed sheets, or 1,200 t-shirts!
How to Celebrate World Cotton Day
Celebrating World Cotton Day is easy and fun! Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Take a moment to appreciate the cotton products you use daily, from your favorite denim jacket to your softest towels.
Learn more about sustainable cotton production and how it impacts the environment. The "Better Cotton Initiative" is a great place to start.
Support fair trade cotton products to help improve the livelihoods of cotton farmers around the world.
Educate others! Share facts about cotton's importance on social media using the hashtag #WorldCottonDay.
The Versatility of Cotton
While we most often associate cotton with clothing, its uses are incredibly diverse. Cottonseed is used to produce oil for cooking and meal for animal feed.
The stalks and leaves of the cotton plant are also used as organic matter in soil and for a variety of other applications. This makes cotton a highly efficient and valuable crop, with almost every part of the plant being put to use.
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