**3. Environmental implications**

Naturally colored cotton, which is frequently promoted as an environmentally benign substitute for conventionally farmed white cotton, has a number of both advantageous and disadvantageous effects on the environment. These implications stem from both the cultivation and processing of colored cotton, and they often align with sustainability goals. Here are some in-depth remarks on the effects of naturally colored cotton on the environment [2, 6, 14].

Reduced chemical usage: One of the most significant environmental benefits of naturally colored cotton is its potential to reduce the need for synthetic dyes and chemicals. Conventional cotton dyeing procedures use a lot of resources, including a lot of water and chemicals. Naturally colored cotton eliminates the need for these processes, thus lowering water pollution and chemical runoff, which can harm aquatic ecosystems.

Lower carbon footprint: Chemicals and synthetic colors used in conventional cotton dyeing techniques produce a significant amount of carbon emissions. Naturally colored cotton can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to the manufacture and use of dyes by avoiding these procedures.

Water conservation: Since cotton that is naturally colored does not need to be dyed, processing naturally colored cotton frequently uses less water. This can help conserve water resources, which are under increasing pressure in many cottongrowing regions due to irrigation demands.

Biodiversity and ecosystems: Some naturally colored cotton varieties are known to have pest resistance due to their pigment content. This can reduce the need for chemical pesticides, leading to less harm to non-target insects, wildlife and the overall ecosystem.

Soil health: Implementing practices that are conducive to growing naturally colored cotton, such as reduced chemical use and more targeted pest management, can promote healthier soil. Improved water retention, less erosion and greater nutrient cycling are all benefits of healthier soils.

Genetic diversity: Naturally colored cotton varieties are often bred to express specific colors, leading to a broader genetic diversity within cotton cultivation. This diversification can help enhance resilience to pests and diseases, reducing the likelihood of widespread crop failure due to a single pathogen or pest.

While naturally colored cotton presents promising environmental benefits, it also comes with its share of challenges. Sustainable farming methods, such as organic and regenerative agriculture, should be encouraged simultaneously with the production of these distinctive cotton types to maximize the beneficial environmental effects of colored cotton [10, 15, 16].
