Blog: Carbon Footprint labelling
- Published: 03 November 2008 10:39
- Author: Jenna Wilkins
- More by this Author
- Last Updated: 03 November 2008 10:39
- Reader Responses
How big would the carbon footprint be on some clothing items that are flown around the world?
Today I read about the world's first carbon footprint labelling system, and it's really got me thinking, not only about the environment (on a global scale), but also its long term effect on other areas, including the fashion industry.
In the Otago Daily Times today, a local New Zealand newspaper, I read an article entitled 'Carbon Footprint labelling soon in British supermarkets'.
It seems that the "worlds first standard to measure the carbon footprint of every product in British shops was launched yesterday by the British Government in an effort to end continuing confusion over eco-labels".
A statement included in the article, by the chief executive of a New Zealand-based environmental consultancy, said: "It seems likely they will be asking suppliers to publish greenhouse gas emissions on labels in the near future". Producers, including exporters will be told how to calculate a product's carbon output, and it will be displayed as a 'carbon footprint label'
If this is applying to the growth and production of food, including manufacturing and even waste, how long will it be before this idea goes further and applies to other areas of retail, including clothing and footwear?
Can you imagine the labels? I'm feeling guilty already at the prospect. Imagine how bad you'll feel buying a dress that's been constructed in a factory (think carbon emissions), transported to another country (more emissions), possibly altered at this point in a factory - or at least packaged (more emissions), and then later even re-distributed (what more can I say?).
The 'carbon footprint label' if it did head in the direction of clothing, footwear and accessory retail, would give consumers knowledge of the environmental damage occurring on the way to the racks of our favourite stores. Will the value of an item no longer be its 'label' (think Gucci), but instead by its 'carbon footprint label'? How would this be controlled? What accountability systems would need to be in place? Could it really happen and what would happen to exporting?
On this note, I'm going to start (if only for a short time) to keep more of an eye on where the clothing I'm purchasing has been manufactured.
Here's hoping that more 'home grown' goods will be available to keep those 'carbon footprints' down before they're closely monitored. In terms of the idea behind the 'carbon footprint labelling' surely it can only be a good thing. Informed consumers are smart consumers! I'm willing to do my bit to reduce global warming! Are you?
