Jesse Daystar, Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

As the Chief Sustainability Officer at Cotton Incorporated, I bring over 15 years of experience to my leadership role, guiding a team of experts in promoting sustainable cotton production practices. My deep understanding of the environmental and social issues facing cotton production fuels my commitment to creating lasting systemic changes in the cotton and apparel industries that help protect our planet and support the livelihoods of farmers and communities worldwide.I lead a broad spectrum of sustainability initiatives, from sustainability R&D to collaborations with farmers and brands, all working towards a more sustainable and resilient apparel industry. One of my major accomplishments as Chief Sustainability Officer has been supporting the development and implementation of the US Cotton Trust Protocol and the Climate Smart Cotton Program. In the Climate Smart Cotton Program alone, we expect to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.2 million metric tons of CO2 while setting a new standard in more sustainable grown cotton.I am also an active member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Accelerating Circularity, Textile Exchange, Better Cotton, and others to promote more sustainable cotton production around the world. I serve as an advisor to the board of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol and contribute to numerous industry working groups.My passion for sustainability extends beyond my work at Cotton Incorporated, and I am committed to equipping future industry leaders with the knowledge and quantitative skills required to make real, systemic change in sustainability. As an Adjunct Professor at Duke Nicholas School of the Environment, I have taught LCA and mentored graduate students towards impactful careers. I have published more than 30 manuscripts and authored a book chapter on LCA. Furthermore, I have written four reports to the US Congress quantifying the economic and environmental impacts of bioproducts.As a sought-after speaker, I have presented at conferences and events worldwide, sharing my insights with diverse audiences, from farmers and industry leaders to students and consumers. By raising awareness about sustainable cotton production, I aim to inspire others to join the mission of creating a more sustainable future for the cotton industry and our planet.I am dedicated to finding innovative solutions that safeguard the environment and support the communities that rely on cotton production. I encourage you to reach out and collaborate with me in our shared pursuit of a sustainable, thriving future for the cotton industry and our world.