CLOTHING

The fashion industry has a huge CO2e footprint.

The fashion industry:

  • Is responsible for about 10% of the global CO2e emissions;

  • Uses more than 90 billion cubic meters of water annually;

  • Creates about 20% of global wastewater;

  • Dumps an estimated half a million tonnes of plastic microfibers into our oceans (the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles).

Examples:

  • Making a pair of jeans produces more than 30 kg CO2e and uses up to 10,000 liters of water;

  • Making a polyester t-shirt produces more than 5 kg CO2e;

  • Making a cotton t-shirt produces more than 2 kg CO2e.

Globally the total number of garments made every year has doubled since 2000, now at more than 100 billion items. The average consumer buys 60% more clothing per year today than in 2000. Fast fashion is largely to blame for this dramatic increase. Production of a pair of jeans still produces more than 30 kg CO2e and uses up to 10,000 liters of water, but on average those jeans are worn for much less time than they were 20 years ago. 

Making better use of clothing is one of the easiest actions you can take to lower your CO2e emissions, and it will literally save money! 

Here are some of the actions you can take:

  • Buy second hand clothing: second hand clothing has no new CO2e emissions; 

  • Wear clothing for longer before replacing: an additional nine months can reduce the CO2e impact by up to 30%;

  • If possible, repair existing clothing;

  • Don’t over-buy: an estimated 20-40% of new clothing is never worn;

  • If you buy new clothing, choose quality over quantity and research the manufacturer in advance to assess their sustainability. Try sites like https://goodonyou.eco/ to evaluate the manufacturer;

  • Donate what you no longer use;

  • Check out https://www.loveyourclothes.org.uk/ for more info and tips. 

Sources: 

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2019/09/23/costo-moda-medio-ambiente
https://unfccc.int/news/un-helps-fashion-industry-shift-to-low-carbon
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200310-sustainable-fashion-how-to-buy-clothes-good-for-the-climate