3. Organic Cotton Clothing
Organic cotton is often marketed as a greener alternative to conventional cotton, but the story isn’t so simple. While it avoids certain harmful pesticides, organic cotton farming tends to use much more water—sometimes double or triple the amount. Large-scale production can still lead to soil depletion and even threaten local ecosystems through habitat loss. As The Guardian points out, the environmental impact hinges on farming practices rather than just certification labels. It’s a stark reminder that “organic” doesn’t always mean sustainable.