FASHION CHOICES TO ADDRESS THE CLIMATE CRISIS

International scientific organizations shared with the public just a few years ago that global warming had reached a critical level, and unfortunately, it’s time to call it a “climate crisis” rather than climate change. Thus, reducing carbon emissions, decreasing the consumption of natural resources and energy, and being aware and conscious have become topics on the global agenda. 

In 2015, with the participation of many countries worldwide, the Paris Agreement was signed, and measures to prevent global warming from exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius were discussed. According to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), if the temperature increases between 1.5°C-2°C, the sea level will rise by 1 meter, forcing approximately 16 million people living in coastal areas to abandon their habitats. Some key ecosystems like coral reefs and certain insect species will completely disappear. It’s also worth noting that in the North Arctic, all ice will melt during summers, something that would typically occur once every hundred years. 

To keep the temperature increase below 1.5 degrees, carbon emissions must be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach zero by 2050. 

Fashion Choices and the Climate Crisis 

We are aware of the urgency of the situation and that we all need to take responsibility. So, what should we do? First of all, we want to say this: every step, big or small, makes a difference. And achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050 requires comprehensive changes in both production and consumption preferences. 

Materials 

What a garment is made of is largely responsible for its climate impact. Therefore, opting for environmentally friendly materials is at the forefront of fashion choices that can be a solution to the climate crisis. For example, research shows that material made from recycled plastic bottles can reduce the carbon footprint of polyester by 40%. Or choosing organic cotton instead of conventional cotton can reduce harmful emissions by 46% by eliminating nitrogen waste from fertilizers. 

Energy Efficiency 

Saving energy is as important as saving natural resources. Brands can play a critical role in reducing fashion’s footprint by saving energy in their warehouses, stores, and offices. It’s worth noting that ASOS achieved a 76% energy saving in its warehouses simply by using energy-efficient bulbs. 

Taking environmentally friendly steps in transportation also brings significant energy savings. Hugo Boss, for example, examined its transportation systems and realized that transitioning from air transport to rail transport could reduce carbon emissions by 95%. 

Product Lifecycle 

The post-consumption phase of products is as important as the production phase, and consumers now expect brands to be experts in this area. Therefore, it is necessary for brands to recycle or renew excess products and guide consumers in this regard. 

If you want to learn more about the role of circular systems in reducing the carbon footprint of fashion, we recommend checking out our content “Reducing Fashion’s Carbon Footprint.” 

As we always say, we are all in this together in building the future of fashion. By making conscious choices, consumers can become effective actors in the industry’s transformation by guiding brands towards environmentally friendly materials and production methods. 

If you want to take a climate-positive step for the planet while also taking your brand into the future with a strong circular strategy, you can contact us.