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Associated Press
5 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
Struggling Texas cotton industry emphasizing the hazards of fast fashion
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — For decades, the cotton industry has long been considered king in the Texas agriculture world. However, a shift has left it standing on shaky ground. In the last few years — as cotton producers struggled with low market prices, high costs of business, and unpredictable weather — synthetic fibers have become more mainstream. Fast fashion outlets on the internet are offering clothes made of polyester, nylon and spandex at hard-to-beat prices. And for customers dealing with inflation and the rise of influencer culture, the clothes are flying off the virtual shelves. 'We've been growing this safe fiber all our lives, and we can't seem to get any traction,' said Walt Hagood, a cotton producer outside Lubbock. 'If people want cotton, it would be really helpful for them to go out and start asking the stores for it.' The cotton industry isn't going down without a fight, though. Producers in the Texas High Plains, where 30% of the nation's cotton is grown, have started raising awareness about synthetic fibers and what impacts the non-biodegradable products have on the environment and consumer health. In recent months, Plains Cotton Growers, an organization that represents cotton producers in the region, has shared infographics about synthetic fibers. Almost 70% of clothes in fast fashion are made with synthetics, mostly polyester, which is usually made from petroleum. Plastic-based fibers are not biodegradable. Microplastics, which shed when the clothes are made, washed, and worn, are affecting more than the cotton industry. These tiny plastic particles build up in water supply sources, contaminating drinking water and polluting lakes and rivers. This is also a cause of concern for farmers, who depend on good water quality to prop up their crops. As the competition for consumers grows, cotton farmers are hoping to gain a powerful ally in their mission against fast fashion: U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He has already shown interest in regulating warning labels for foods containing synthetic dyes and other additives. They hope he can take a closer look at the impact the man-made fibers have on the environment and consumer health. Kara Bishop, director of communications and public affairs for Plains Cotton Growers, has been behind much of the messaging on social media. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Bishop saw the rise in athleisure wear and 'shopping hauls' featuring TikTok influencers showing off clothes from known fast-fashion outlets. Even when she would shop, Bishop said it was hard to find clothes that were 100% cotton that were also fashionable. Once she saw that synthetic manufacturers were able to replicate crochet tops or denim vests and blazers without cotton, Bishop knew there was a problem. She realized there wasn't enough awareness for consumers about cotton, or the harm caused by polyester and other synthetic fibers. 'We've got to do something to slow down the momentum of plastic pollution,' Bishop said. 'But there's got to be some kind of emotional anchor. You can't just tell people to wear cotton.' Bishop said this is why she started highlighting the health risks on social media. Some posts focus on health and environmental concerns, including one that links to a study estimating humans ingest a credit-card size amount of plastic each week. Another explains cotton microfibers break down in water within a few months. Synthetic microfibers, on the other hand, can take between 20 to 200 years to break down. Bishop also created a list of stores where people can buy cotton-rich clothes and other products, such as backpacks. Bishop saw this as an opportunity for the cotton industry to have better messaging. Cotton producers typically have to defend their practices, including their use of chemicals like pesticides. Bishop said cotton growers have used less chemicals over the years due to poor production, particularly in comparison to the amount of chemicals used for synthetic fibers. By raising awareness on the dangers of man-made synthetic fibers, they could help their cause and the environment. 'This is a place where we can actually be on the offense and say, 'Hey, you're wearing petroleum and it's going to hurt you and the planet,' Bishop said. Balaji Rao, a professor and microplastics researcher at Texas Tech University, said synthetic fibers are designed to be stable and not degrade. When they break down over time, Rao said, the plastics enter the environment and stay there. 'It's not that they stay forever, but long enough that they can potentially impact the environment,' Rao said. 'Natural fibers do degrade because they are designed by nature.' According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, microplastics are found throughout all sources of water — from the ocean to tap and bottled water. One study, published in the 2024 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that plastic contamination is in every step involved in the production of drinking water, from when the water is drawn from a well to when it's in the bottle. Rao said this is the case with the food packing industry, too. However, he said it comes down to the cost of production, just like with clothes. Replacing a shirt made of cotton as opposed to polyester would be more environmentally friendly, he said. But the question for consumers is the cost. 'If we can develop the industry to make these naturally derived plastics and fibers, I think it would be a great value for the environment,' Rao said. 'That's something that would require policies and initiatives to make that happen. It's going to be a slow process.' Hagood, the cotton producer, doesn't want more regulations. Instead, he wants people to be more aware of what's on their clothing labels. He thinks Kennedy will look into it, as the health secretary has honed in on microplastics in food production. He also posted on social media last year about microplastics found in the human brain. The more people know about synthetic fibers, Hagood said, the better. 'We're out here struggling because we can't get enough demand to get enough support with our prices,' Hagood said. For Hagood and other cotton growers, it could be the difference in both their success and the well-being of future generations. Hagood has been growing cotton for 46 years and faced the shaky markets, water scarcity and extreme weather events that come with the territory. The fact that he's now fighting fast fashion, on top of the other complications that come his way, is a surprise to him. 'It's mind-boggling to me that this isn't a larger public conversation,' Hagood said. ___ This story was originally published by The Texas Tribune and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TEXAS-BASED SIMFLO EXPANDS OPERATIONS TO LATIN AMERICA
SIMFLO appointed Leo Villanueva to lead Latin America expansion LUBBOCK, Texas, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lubbock, Texas-based SIMFLO, one of the nation's top providers of industrial, municipal, and commercial and agricultural-use vertical and submersible turbine pumps, has announced its expansion into the Latin American market with the appointment of Leo Villanueva as Sales Manager for Latin America, Mining, and Oil & Gas. This newly established role is designed to strengthen SIMFLO's presence and accelerate business growth in the Central and South American regions, while supporting the company's broader international expansion strategy. Villanueva's responsibilities will include identifying high-potential markets and cultivating partnerships in the mining, municipal, and agricultural sectors, among others. With extensive experience in global markets and a deep understanding of SIMFLO's engineered pumping solutions, Villanueva will lead the company's efforts to serve existing clients while establishing a greater footprint in key regions such as Chile, Argentina, and Peru. "As part of our long-term commitment to providing reliable, high-performance pump solutions globally, we are focusing on Central and South America as vital growth markets," said Troy Pickering, SIMFLO's chief executive officer. "Leo's appointment is a key component of our strategy to deliver tailored, high-quality solutions to meet the evolving needs of customers in these regions while ensuring we remain responsive to their specific challenges." The Latin America pumps market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% between 2025 and 2030, driven by sectors such as water management, mining, construction, and oil and gas. This growth is being spurred by rising infrastructure development and a greater focus on energy-efficient technologies for fluid management systems. SIMFLO's robust and reliable vertical and submersible turbine pumps are well-suited to meet the diverse demands of these industries, offering efficiency and durability for critical applications. The mining industry, which represents a significant market within Latin America, continues to drive demand for sophisticated pump technologies. With the region accounting for approximately 6.49 million barrels of crude oil consumption daily and boasting rich mineral resources, industries such as oil, gas, and mining are expected to rely heavily on reliable pumping systems. Additionally, increased investment in water and wastewater projects across Latin America highlights the importance of high-performance pumps for effective resource management. SIMFLO's products are equipped to handle these demanding applications, delivering performance and longevity customers can rely on. SIMFLO has been a trusted partner in the region for years, supporting various projects spanning municipal water management, agricultural applications, and industrial operations. Growing demand for durable and customized pumping products is driving the company's expansion in Central and South America, where industries such as mining and agriculture require specialized solutions. "As Sales Manager for Latin America, Mining, and Oil & Gas, my role is to forge meaningful partnerships that align with the unique needs of customers and industries across the region," said Villanueva. "I'm proud to represent SIMFLO in delivering innovative products and tackling technical challenges together with our international clients, and excited to take the lead on SIMFLO's business growth throughout Latin America." SIMFLO continues to evaluate opportunities to enhance its physical and operational presence globally, including the potential establishment of facilities in key regions. Since 1952, SIMFLO has been at the forefront of pump innovation, engineering high-quality solutions that serve industries such as agriculture, municipal water services, mining, and energy. With headquarters in Lubbock, Texas, and additional operations in Arizona and Mississippi, SIMFLO offers robust vertical and submersible turbine pumps that are customized to meet specific application needs. SIMFLO sets itself apart with its state-of-the-art facilities, including one of the largest and most advanced vertical turbine testing facilities in North America. Known for reliability, precision, and customer-centric service, SIMFLO has built a reputation as a trusted partner addressing complex water and fluid transfer challenges. ABOUT SIMFLOLubbock, Texas-based SIMFLO has been a family-owned and privately held company since 1952 and the company continues to lead the innovation of pump technology that is critical to the communities, commercial enterprises, and industrial users it serves. The company engineers, manufactures, sources, and delivers best-in-class pump products and technologies for major industrial users, including municipal water services, manufacturing, mining, chemicals, hydrocarbons, saltwater extraction, and agricultural applications. SIMFLO has operations in Texas and Mississippi, as well as testing facilities in Texas and Arizona. The company's new Engineered Products Facility in Lubbock, features one of the largest and most advanced vertical turbine test facilities in North America. For more information, visit SIMFLO: Online at On Facebook at On Instagram at On LinkedIn at On X at Media Contact:Claire Armstrong; 817-343-6633cba@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SIMFLO Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Yahoo
Police name victim seriously injured in Central Lubbock motorcycle crash
A Central Lubbock crash early Friday left 57-year-old Kenneth Duonola hospitalized with serious injuries, the Lubbock Police Department said in a press release. Solve the daily Crossword
New York Times
18-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Is the Big 12 back as the league of QBs? With 9 returning starters, expect ‘high-scoring games'
FRISCO, Texas — Rocco Becht remembers how it was back in the day. He was only 12 years old when he watched Baker Mayfield and Patrick Mahomes duel in Lubbock, Texas, combining for 125 points, 1,279 passing yards and 12 touchdown passes in a 66-59 Oklahoma victory over Texas Tech in 2016. To hear Becht, Iowa State's starting quarterback, tell it, you would think the halcyon days of black and white television broadcast the contest. Advertisement 'One of the craziest things I've ever seen,' he said. The Big 12 built its reputation in its proudest eras on the strength of its quarterbacks. Before Mayfield and Mahomes, Texas' Colt McCoy and Oklahoma's Sam Bradford dueled for national titles, Texas Tech's Graham Harrell took Mike Leach's offense to new heights and Heisman contention, and Missouri's Chase Daniel and Kansas' Todd Reesing redefined what was possible at their programs. Baylor's Robert Griffin III won a Heisman Trophy and Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden led his program to its first Big 12 title, both setting passing records along the way. Now, in a rebuilt version of the league, the Big 12 looks poised in 2025 to call back to the conference's heyday. Nine of the league's 16 teams bring back a productive, experienced starting quarterback, headlined by Sam Leavitt, who helped lead Arizona State to the College Football Playoff as a freshman last season. In The Athletic's quarterback tiers, a ranking of all 136 FBS quarterbacks released this week, four Big 12 quarterbacks ranked in the top 14: Leavitt, TCU's Josh Hoover, Baylor's Sawyer Robertson and Becht. Eight are in the top 27. 'It's gonna go back to how it was, those high-powered offenses back in the day,' Becht said. 'That's what we're going to be able to start seeing in the Big 12: High-scoring games.' Mahomes, a respected, wildly talented but relatively unheralded Big 12 quarterback in his day, has blossomed into arguably the NFL's best player. He's also an icon and a through line for the deepest class of Big 12 quarterbacks since even before Mahomes' time. Mahomes is mentoring current Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton. Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson bought (on sale, he noted) a Sleep Number bed because Mahomes uses it and represents the brand. Advertisement Hoover can see Mahomes occasionally work out at TCU's facility, which is located near his private coach Jeff Christensen's home. 'I give him tips and stuff,' Hoover said with a laugh. Baylor coach Dave Aranda, who watched Robertson break out midseason in 2024, spent a decade as a defensive coordinator at four programs before being hired by the Bears. When he was preparing for opposing offenses, he knew if they had inexperience at quarterback, he could spend less time game-planning for certain plays because he knew an offensive coach would be hesitant to call them if they asked a lot from the player under center. He sees the opposite in this year's Big 12. 'Right out of the gate, you're gonna get the shots to the heart,' he said. 'You have all these explosive offenses run by quarterbacks with a lot of savvy. Some of these guys are sawed-off dudes, but are smart, can see everything, get in the right play, and they have this innovative scheme. And then it's like you're playing Army or Navy because they're gonna go for it on all these fourth downs. … It becomes a difficult proposition.' It all adds up to a nightmare for defensive coaches across the league. Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby is in the group of established returners, throwing for more than 2,800 yards and accounting for 27 total touchdowns in 2024. Sorsby ranked 20th in The Athletic's recent QB tiers and fifth in the Big 12. 'I saw someone put out their top quarterbacks (in the Big 12), and Sorsby was like ninth. What? But I started looking, and I'm thinking, Well, OK, that guy is pretty good. He's pretty good. He's pretty good,' Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield said. 'I can see why. I think Sorsby could be right up there at the top. I think he's got that kind of talent. But there are a lot of great quarterbacks in this league.' Outside of the top eight QBs in the conference, there are even more intriguing talents. Colorado added Kaidon Salter, a two-year starter who led Liberty to an undefeated regular season in 2023, to help replace Shedeur Sanders. Salter threw for 32 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2023, along with 12 rushing touchdowns. Advertisement Jalon Daniels at Kansas threw for 18 touchdowns and four picks in 2022. Injuries shortened his 2023 season, and he struggled for much of 2024 before helping the Jayhawks rally to beat three ranked teams in consecutive games late in the season. Arizona's Noah Fifita threw for 25 touchdowns and six interceptions under Jedd Fisch in 2023 before taking a slight step back under new coach Brent Brennan in 2024. All three are hopeful for rebound seasons in 2025 and give their programs proven, experienced options at the team's most important position. The most unsettled quarterback situations in the league are at BYU, which saw Jake Retzlaff withdraw from the university following reports he could face a suspension for violating the school's honor code, and Oklahoma State, where none of the quarterbacks have started a game. 'My guess is whoever is gonna win the league is going to keep their quarterback healthy,' TCU head coach Sonny Dykes said. Dykes lived it in 2022. At one point, TCU's top six skill players were injured, but quarterback Max Duggan stayed healthy. TCU won its way into the College Football Playoff and played for a national title after beating Michigan. Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, meanwhile, lived what he called a 'nightmare' the past two seasons, juggling quarterback Cam Rising's health on a near-weekly basis. 'When he was healthy, we won two Pac-12 championships back to back. Had he been healthy the last couple years, woulda, coulda, shoulda, but I'm telling you we would have been a whole different football team entirely,' Whittingham said. Utah will now put Devon Dampier, who threw for 2,768 yards and ran for 1,166 yards and 19 touchdowns at New Mexico last season, behind one of the nation's best offensive lines. The vibrant crop should make for must-see TV. Advertisement The one prerequisite for any team hoping to hoist the Big 12 title trophy and book a ticket into the Playoff is simple: Score. 'It's a deadly conference to be in,' said BYU coach Kalani Sitake, another former defensive coordinator. 'And it's gonna be a lot of fun this year.' (Top photos of ASU's Sam Leavitt and ISU's Rocco Becht: Butch Dill, Sam Hodde / Getty Images)
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Texas Tech football: Red Raider Club kickoff luncheon tickets on sale
Tickets are on sale now for the annual Red Raider Club kickoff luncheon, scheduled Thursday, Aug. 21 with Texas Tech football coach Joey McGuire and athletics director Kirby Hocutt among the keynote speakers. The Memorial Civic Center is the site of the event. Doors open at 11:15 a.m., and the program is scheduled to start around noon in the main exhibit hall. It also will feature Texas Tech football players, as well as members of the Tech cross country, volleyball and soccer teams. The Goin' Band from Raiderland and Tech spirit squads will both perform before the program. Individual tickets start at $30 per person and can be purchased online at Reserved tables are available for $750 per group. For more information or to purchase tickets, fans also may call the Red Raider Club at (806) 742-1196. Tech football players report on Tuesday, July 29, and start practice on Wednesday, July 30. The Red Raiders' host Arkansas-Pine Bluff in a season opener at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 30. Tech also hosts nonconference games against Kent State at 11 a.m. Sept. 6 and Oregon State at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 13. More: Texas Tech football 2025 schedule preview: Get to know Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions More: Texas Tech football 2025 schedule preview: Get to know the Kent State Golden Flashes More: Texas Tech football 2025 schedule preview: Get to know Oregon State Beavers This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech football: Red Raider Club kickoff luncheon tickets on sale
