The effect of global warming on the environment is staggering. We’re putting our planet at risk by playing into the hands of pollution every single day. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Action is being taken on a smaller scale by consumers. They’re slowly becoming more aware of their personal impact on the environment, and as we know, every little change helps.
If you’re interested in sustainability and want to learn more, here are 8 sustainability facts you need to know:
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China is the world’s top polluter
Since 1965 no country has put more carbon dioxide into the world than America – until now. Due to China’s industrialisation with a heavy reliance on coal-fired power, they overtook the USA and EU. China now emits 10,357 metric tons of carbon dioxide. Closely followed by the United States, India, Russia and Japan.
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Australia is the second-largest consumers of new textiles
Each Australian buys on average 27kg of new textiles each year! They then discard around 23kg into landfill. This is hardly one of the most surprising sustainability facts due to the rise in fast-fashion. It’s becoming more and more common to wear clothes once or twice before throwing them in the bin. Australia are second behind North Americans.
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Energy is the dominant contributor to climate change
Though you may not realise it, energy accounts for around 60% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. This is because renewable energy still isn’t used as the norm, meaning that we’re relying on fossil fuels for energy.
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Clothing consumption produces 1.5 tonnes of CO2 per household per year
This is the equivalent of 6000 cars! Which is why consumers are being urged to cutback on the fast-fashion culture and invest more in sustainable fashion. Whether that’s through buying recycled garments or shopping at thrift stores instead of buying brand new clothes.
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In Australia, 92% of clothes sold in Australia are imported
Perhaps one of the most shocking sustainability facts is that 92% of clothes sold in Australia are imported. This is the same story for plenty of Western countries too, who rely on manufacturing in India and China for cheap labour and material costs.
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The US is estimated to spend $2.6 billion on Halloween costumes worn for one night
Halloween only takes place one night each year, but that doesn’t stop countries across the globe spending billions on costumes. Given that most of these costumes won’t be recycled for the next year, one can only assume that they’ll be thrown away and therefore, eventually end up in a landfill.
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4% of what Australians spend on clothing goes to the wages of workers in garment factories across the globe
Sustainability isn’t just about the impact of pollution on the planet. In terms of fast-fashion, it also affects those worker’s caught up in the manufacturing process. Many employees are still not working in acceptable conditions, earning minimum wage and being over-worked. At Horizon, we use a traceable network of suppliers in order to assure quality, and strong ethical practice.
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Each year we lose 32 million acres (13 million hectares) of forest
Forests help to regulate the global climate by storing carbon. The problem is, the constant need for wood, pulp and other forest resources means that there is always pressure to meet demand. This results in around 13 millions hectares of forest being chopped down.
Click here for more information about our beautiful eco-friendly clothing and why we take sustainability so seriously.
www.luanamarchi.com.au
