According to the United Nations, the fashion industry is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions. It generates 1.2 billion tons of CO2, more than the aviation and shipping industries combined. These emissions are expected to rise to 2.7 billion tons by 2030. The clothes we wear have a hidden carbon footprint that we cannot ignore.
Why is Fashion So Bad for the Environment?
Fashion brand Maje has partnered with Fairly Made, an organization that measures the environmental and social impact of products. Items labeled as “traceable” show their environmental impact, allowing customers to make informed decisions. A single garment can generate up to 8 kg of CO2, which is concerning considering the number of garments created by all fashion brands worldwide. This is a widespread issue in the industry, not just in fast fashion stores.
Frequent Fashion Trend Changes
Fast fashion is based on constantly changing trends, driven by fashion houses, editors, and pop culture. This forces consumers to buy new clothes frequently to stay fashionable, generating a large amount of waste and pollution. Steve Jobs, known for his uniform outfit, is an extreme example, but it shows how reducing clothing purchases can decrease our carbon footprint. Freeing oneself from the need to follow trends significantly reduces environmental impact.
Low-Quality Materials and Short Lifecycles
Mass production of cheap clothing involves using low-quality materials that are not made to last. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are cheap because they are derived from petrochemicals, which have a high environmental cost. Clothes made from these materials wear out quickly, showing signs of deterioration after a few uses. This forces consumers to buy new clothes frequently, perpetuating the cycle of production and waste.
Unsold Products May Be Destroyed
Burberry has burned £90 million in unsold stock over the past five years to avoid selling them at low prices or being stolen. This problem is not limited to fast fashion; it is common across the industry. Each year, 92 million tons of textile waste are produced, and only 1% of clothes are recycled into new garments. Most consumers are unaware of the carbon footprint of their clothes or the waste generated by their favorite brands.
How Can I Reduce My Fashion Carbon Footprint?
Awareness is the first step to solving any problem. While fashion brands are responsible, we as consumers also play a crucial role. Where we spend our money can have a huge impact. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has proposed recommendations to improve the climate credentials of the fashion industry. Here are some tips:
- Don’t blindly follow fashion trends to reduce the amount of clothing you buy.
- Avoid single-use garments.
- Check your wardrobe before buying something new.
- Buy fewer clothes, but of high quality and sustainable.
- Choose brands that take sustainability seriously.
- Think about the lifecycle of a garment and how it can be reused.
- Avoid synthetic fabrics whenever possible.
Green Hosting for Sustainable Fashion Brands
Green hosting can help sustainable fashion brands align with their ecological values. By using servers powered by renewable energy, the digital carbon footprint of their websites and online stores is reduced. This not only helps the environment but also reinforces their commitment to sustainability to their customers. Choosing a sustainable hosting provider is a key decision for any company committed to the environment, showing customers that they are serious about reducing their ecological impact.
Fuente: ecosend.io
