Read the text about organic cotton and its influence on ecology and put the parts of the sentences below into the gaps.
Write one letter in each gap.
Organic cotton affects the environment in a better way. It produces 46 percent fewer greenhouse gases than traditional cotton. It is safe because [ ] and pesticides are not used for growing it and far fewer machines are involved in the farming process. Because the soil is free of chemicals, it works like a carbon sponge, consuming carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Thanks to that, we can keep the environment clean and safe.
However, the popularity of organic cotton can lead to some problems. A few scientists say that large-scale production of organic cotton will generate [ ] than traditional cotton. Emissions will appear during different processes such as fiber spinning, dyeing, fabric making, and the final product. If you are a responsible buyer, try to follow these rules.
Look for markers from reputable organisations. For example, Organic Content Standards and Global Organic Textile Standard. The presence of such a marker means that the cotton meets all the [ ] at different stages of the production chain. The Fairtrade Foundation label certifies that the farmers who worked on your shirt were paid a living wage.
Avoid blends of cotton and synthetics. Recycled polyester is also worth worrying about. The mix of natural and artificial will be very hard to separate back during processing. It will take a lot of water and energy. As a result, the environment can suffer.
Choose manufacturers that care about the environment. Try to support brands that decide to go organic. We need big companies to think about the ecology and try to [ ], energy and natural materials.
A. minimise using water
B. environmental standards set
C. more greenhouse gases
D. nitrogen-containing fertilisers