The fashion industry is responsible for 4-10% of global carbon emissions and nearly 20% of wastewater. The gravity of water consumption to make a pair of jeans has multiplied immensely now which was equating to the emission of around 33.4 kilograms of carbon equivalent back in 2019, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Helena Pribyl from the Centre for Global Eco-innovation’s research said, “Introducing a regenerative approach to growing clothing fibres like flax in the UK could help reduce emissions from farming.”
A recent study offers the solution to the issue, suggesting that increasing soil carbon stores through regenerative arable farming in the UK could offset agricultural emissions by up to 25%. It could not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery but also help to sequester carbon in soils.
There is a general realization among fashion brands to get engage in sustainable production to cut their carbon footprints. The US brand Everlane, for instance, produces jeans using just 0.4 liters of recycled water, compared to the 1,500 liters of water used for most jeans. Similarly, the Chinese brand Klee Klee, meanwhile, offers free repair and recycling services as part of its efforts to reduce waste and pollution.
