The Carbon Footprint Calculator for Clothing estimates the CO2 emissions associated with the production and transportation of various textiles. A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, that are generated by our actions, typically measured in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).
The method used in the calculator is a simplified approach to estimate the carbon footprint of clothing based on the material and the distance it has traveled. It uses hypothetical emission factors for different materials, multiplied by the distance the clothing item has traveled to provide a rough estimate of CO2 emissions.
Note: This method, while providing a basic idea, is quite rudimentary and may not fully capture the actual environmental impact of clothing production and transportation.
More Accurate Ways to Calculate Carbon Footprint
For a more accurate carbon footprint calculation, consider these factors:
- Material Production: Different materials have different environmental impacts, not just in terms of CO2 emissions but also in terms of water usage, pesticide use (for crops like cotton), and energy consumption during production.
- Manufacturing Process: The energy used in manufacturing, whether the factories use renewable energy, and the efficiency of the production process all influence the carbon footprint.
- Transportation: This includes not just the final shipping distance but also the transportation of raw materials to the factory, and from the factory to warehouses or stores.
- End of Life: How the product is disposed of or recycled also affects its total carbon footprint. Products that can be recycled or that biodegrade more easily may have a lower overall environmental impact.
- Lifecycle Assessment (LCA): A full LCA considers all stages of a product’s life from cradle to grave (from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling).
Given the complexities involved in truly accurate calculations, many businesses and websites often rely on general estimates or partner with environmental consultancies to derive more accurate figures.