This article talks about the harmful environmental and social effects of harvesting and producing cotton. According to the article, conventional cotton is a very “water- and pesticide-intensive crop.” These pesticides not only stay on the plant, but also gets washed off into soil and rivers, polluting water and the environment in the process. This is especially evident in a country like China, where pollution is high due to industrial manufacturing. Also, these chemicals can be very harmful to human health. As Adidas manufactures shoes and clothing, cotton is one of their primary sources for production. As this issue becomes more publicized, consumer behavior will lean towards buying products of perhaps “organic cotton.” However, this issue serve as an opportunity for Adidas, as the company is already planning their environmental strategies, one of them being to commit to using 100% better cotton by 2018. Adidas is part of the Better Cotton Initiative which aims to reduce water consumption and pesticide use in cotton farming. If Adidas reaches this goal in sustainable cotton production, then consumers will look to Adidas as a socially responsible company and will be attracted to buying products from Adidas.
Sources:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-dirty-side-of-cotton.html
http://english.caixin.com/2012-04-09/100377172.html
http://www.adidas-group.com/en/pressroom/archive/2011/22March2011.aspx
http://www.adidas-group.com/en/sustainability/Environment/Environmental_Strategy_2015/default.aspx
Sources:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-dirty-side-of-cotton.html
http://english.caixin.com/2012-04-09/100377172.html
http://www.adidas-group.com/en/pressroom/archive/2011/22March2011.aspx
http://www.adidas-group.com/en/sustainability/Environment/Environmental_Strategy_2015/default.aspx