To avoid runaway climate change, we absolutely must limit our greenhouse gas emissions . Their very high levels have caused global warming and are causing the climate disruption we are already seeing today. Fortunately, we have the ability to quickly and easily measure our CO2 emissions so we can reduce them.

What is carbon footprint? Definition

Carbon, this resource that we use daily and in excessive quantities. In order to reduce it, it must be quantified, we then speak of carbon footprint. The carbon footprint represents the quantity of greenhouse gases emitted by a country, a company, a sector of activity, a product or service, an event, a person ... It is a measure of greenhouse gas emissions emitted into the environment, which is expressed in units of mass: grams, kilograms, tons of CO2.

The carbon footprint calculation includes 3 greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Carbon dioxide is the gas that contributes the most to global warming. Greenhouse gases are mainly emitted by the combustion of energy related to activity. The carbon footprint calculation is an effective indicator that provides an overall overview of CO2 emissions in order to identify the most emitting items and reduce them .

What is the average carbon footprint of a French person? 

In 2020, the average French person emitted 11.2 tonnes of CO2 per year . But 11.2 tonnes is too much to limit global warming. Faced with the climate emergency, we need to divide our CO2 emissions by 4 by 2050. According to an expert estimate, we should limit them to between 1.6 and 2.8 tonnes of CO2 per year. The main emitting sectors for households are: transport, energy and food. These three sectors represent approximately 70% of greenhouse gases.

Transport-related emissions represent the largest share of the average carbon impact ( 31% in 2019 ) of individual emissions. The second largest share is energy: how we heat our homes, water or food, etc. Finally, the third largest share concerns food, the largest share of which comes from animal proteins (livestock products: meat, cheese, eggs, etc.). Eating fewer animal products is central to reducing emissions.

 

How to calculate carbon footprint?

You can get an estimate of your carbon footprint in around ten minutes: ADEME agirpourlatransition.ademe.fr .
This calculator allows you to calculate the individual carbon footprint of a French person's consumption (over a year). It is calculated based on different sectors:

• Transport: Average distance of home-work journeys; type of vehicle used; number of journeys made by train, by plane;
• Housing: emissions related to energy consumption for housing;
• Food: Define the type of food consumed;
• Consumption of goods: Number of purchases of electronic devices, multimedia / Purchases of clothing, etc.
• Public services.

Once all the information has been submitted, the calculator summarizes all your data in tonnes of CO2 equivalent. You will obtain your carbon footprint, your objective as well as advice based on your answers .

How to reduce/offset carbon footprint?

Various actions linked to our consumption help to reduce our carbon footprint :

1. Moderate your energy consumption (heating, hot water, etc.). In winter, limit the temperature to 19°C or even 18°C; in the kitchen, using a lid saves 30% of energy for long cooking times;
   
   
2. Avoid leaving devices on standby (television, computer, etc.);
   
   
3. Choose local and seasonal products;
   
   
4. Think about reusing: donate or sell items you no longer want;
   
   
5. Carpool when possible;
   
   
6. Favor walking or cycling for short journeys;
   
   
7. In the city, use public transport;
   
   
8. Consume sustainably , choose quality objects that don't break after the first uses;
   
   
9. Avoid buying over-packaged products and disposable products;
   
   
10. Buy recycled products .
    
    

Carbon offsetting can also be a solution. For example, funding a reforestation organization or renewable energy projects. These offset carbon footprints, but they are not a long-term solution.

The best way to reduce your carbon footprint is to take matters into your own hands: limit impulse purchases, consume less but better, insulate your home, repair rather than repurchase, change your energy source, and do without cars and airplanes. All of these actions, taken together, significantly lower the meters.

According to a report by Carbone 4 , changing our daily actions and level of engagement could reduce our individual carbon footprint by between 20 and 45% .

What is the carbon footprint used for?

The global goal is to limit global warming to a temperature below 2°C . To achieve this, the carbon footprint is essential. It is a good indicator for understanding greenhouse gas emissions. This allows them to be prioritized in order to achieve emission reduction targets. This footprint can be done at all levels: government, business, product, consumer, etc.

What is the carbon footprint of a product?

In order to calculate the carbon footprint of a product, different methods and standards exist. They have in common that they must take into account the entire life cycle of the product . The calculation is made by taking into account the extraction of raw materials; the energy required to manufacture the materials; manufacturing; transport methods; its use up to its recycling. This allows the manufacturer to have an indication of the impact of the product and avenues for improvement if they wish to reduce its impact. For the environmentally conscious consumer, knowing the footprint of a product allows them to consume more consciously.

Carbon footprint in fashion

100 billion items of clothing are sold worldwide each year. The textile industry is among the most polluting industries in the world. It emits 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse gases each year. From manufacturing to its arrival in stores, clothing has numerous ecological and social consequences. 9.5 kg is the average weight of clothing owned by a French person. This figure is driven by fast fashion, or disposable fashion, which is constantly being renewed. How did fashion become one of the most polluting industries?

1. RAW MATERIALS : To make a garment, a pair of shoes, or a handbag, you need raw materials. This is the first step in the manufacturing chain. Take cotton, for example. A quarter of the world's textile fiber production comes from cotton. Growing cotton requires a large amount of water and pesticides, which causes agricultural pollution and poses a health risk to farmers.
   
   
2. PROCESSING : Manufacturers coat the threads with grease or wax to make them more durable. After weaving, the fabric is washed to remove these chemicals. This phase is highly polluting because it releases toxic substances into the water, destroying ecosystems and therefore harming biodiversity and human health.
   
   
3. TRANSPORTATION : A large portion of clothing comes from Asian countries. Transportation significantly increases the impact of textiles.
   
   
4. THE CONSUMER : We use a lot of energy to wash and dry our clothes. Also, when we wash synthetic clothing, microplastic particles are released and end up in the water. These microparticles cannot be filtered and end up in the oceans. They're the main source ofocean pollution, ahead of plastic bags.

As a consumer, different solutions exist:

1. Better choose your clothes and accessories (shoes and bags );
   
   
2. Buy organic cotton and labeled clothing (GOTS or OEKOTEX);
   
   
3. Favor committed brands and/or thrift stores;
   
   
4. Taking care of clothes; repairing or altering them;
   
   
5. Recycle clothes when they are worn out;
   
   

It's up to us to act to limit the impact of fashion on the planet.

Our lifestyle, our purchases, and our diet directly impact our carbon footprint. To achieve a carbon footprint of 2 tons by 2050, we must all take action by changing our daily behaviors and consuming more responsibly.

At Lérisa, from the choice of materials to the entire production chain, we leave no stone unturned in reducing our impact. This means we have control over carbon emissions and offer you meaningful pieces . According to the Carbonfact audit, the "L" handbag emits 67% less CO2 than a comparable product.

Also read :

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