Getting dressed is something we do daily, but clothing has a huge toll on carbon emissions. The fashion and textile industries remain the biggest polluters and carbon dioxide emitters. In this article, we approach decarbonization and gather some actionable ideas for neutral fashion consumption to help you understand what consumers can do about decarbonizing. In this post you will find information about:
- Fashion waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Greenwashing practices and carbon footprint.
- Human activity, sustainable wardrobe and global warming.
- Carbon neutrality and ethical fashion certifications – know who to buy from!
Decarbonisation of the fashion industry
Learning what decarbonisation is to understand how we can contribute to a low-emission economy. Decarbonisation is the process that reduces the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) sent into the atmosphere.
Around the world, fashion brands produce more than what consumers can buy. Still, fashion consumption keeps rising. Online shopping is rising, especially among younger generations, which are also the more environmentally concerned consumers. On the other hand, we are globally moving toward decarbonisation, and sustainable fashion practices are also on the rise among all generations.
Decarbonisation is crucial to a low-emission economy. It is understood as the process that reduces the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) sent into the atmosphere. Decarbonising the fashion industry is a process that relates production and fashion consumption through adopting carbon-neutral practices.
Decarbonisation: the net zero goal
The Paris Agreement dates back to 2015, an international treaty to limit global temperature increase by 2030 to 1.5 degrees Celsius. There are at least 8 countries that are already net zero, and Britain has a strong legal framework for reaching net zero emissions by 2050. The UK is establishing a decarbonising strategy focusing on renewable energy and mobility. So, let’s learn about the fashion industry and discover how to have a carbon-neutral wardrobe.
Decarbonisation is the new black
The poor quality of fast fashion items and fast trends propels consumption, generating waste. In the UK alone, fashion generates 200,000 tonnes of waste that can’t be recycled or reused.
In 2022, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimated that people bought 60 per cent more clothes and wore them for half as long, with rising environmental costs.
The challenge is to transform production and utilisation. The circular economy for textiles greatly impacts fashion, reducing emissions and water use, diminishing pollution and improving social justice.
Beware of greenwashing
Greenwashing is a common branding practice to entice green, eco and sustainable consumption. Companies use buzzwords and false claims to position the product or the brand as eco-friendly.
Be aware of words such as:
- sustainable
- recycled plastic
- recycled fibre
- eco
- organic
Also, don’t let yourself be tricked by green or brown paper packaging, eco logos and messages on labels relating to eco-friendly practices.
Eco initiatives for total decarbonisation
The fashion sector remains strong, but the living crisis and the lifestyle changes the pandemic introduced impacted consumption patterns worldwide.
In Britain, fashion consumption is heading towards more sustainable fashion practices. Conscious buying is becoming the norm.
Fashion consumption practices that everyone can adopt:
- Shop less frequently.
- Look for more durable pieces.
- Choose second-hand.
- Find resales.
- Adopt pre-loved fashion.
The fashion and textile industries are being pressured towards decarbonisation, switching from fossil fuels to carbon-free, leading to solutions reducing waste while increasing reuse and recycling.
What is the UK doing towards a carbon-neutral fashion industry?
- Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is pressuring and investigating greenwashing from companies like Asda, Boohoo and ASOS.
- Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) issued guidance on environmental claims for fair competition.
- The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill of 2023 increased the protection of consumer rights.
- The Future Fibres Network+ (FFN+) project was launched in August 2023 to drive the decarbonisation of the fashion and textiles industry.
Decarbonising fashion: practices you can adopt
Choosing sustainable fashion practices can help you contribute to the carbon-neutral fashion and textiles objectives, reducing waste and pollution. How?
- Wear what you own, reinventing your style and wardrobe.
- Rent, borrow and swap.
- Go second-hand.
- Choose sustainably.
Everyone has their fashion sense and style. A well-curated wardrobe can reduce the temptation to buy more. Moreover, craving to buy trend-driven items.
The capsule wardrobe: decarbonise your closet
To create a carbon-neutral wardrobe, start by defining your style, choosing the colours that match your personality and organising what you already own. Select interchangeable and complementary clothing pieces by fabric, colour and shape. Then, mix them to create several looks.
How to start your capsule wardrobe?
Select what you already have and donate what no longer suits you, your style and your needs. Look for new pieces in second-hand shops and swap markets. Choose wisely, focusing on materials and fabrics, and opt for natural fibres, classic colours, and shapes that don’t go out of style.
Looking for something new?
Eco-friendly fashion is growing, and you can buy from sustainable fashion brands. Find brand sustainable ratings and transparency index, and look for certificates and credentials.
If these aren’t easy to find, think twice.
Here’s a list of 5 ethical fashion certifications:
In short
The fashion and textile industries are among the biggest polluters and carbon emitters.
The UK has proceeded with several decarbonising initiatives and has a strong legal framework for reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
Watchdogs drive change through greenwashing and consumer rights in fashion, while transdisciplinary expertise drives the decarbonisation of the fashion and textiles industry.
As a consumer, you can consume less and mindfully, creating a carbon-neutral wardrobe by adopting sustainable fashion practices, educating yourself about brands and choosing to buy certified products and brands.
