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Compare the carbon footprint of buying new clothes versus second-hand. See how much CO2 you save by thrifting instead of buying new.
A new cotton t-shirt produces about 10 kg CO2e, a pair of jeans about 33 kg, and a polyester jacket about 15 kg. Buying the same items second-hand produces roughly 0.5–2 kg CO2e (from transport and cleaning only). Buying second-hand saves 80–95% of the carbon emissions compared to new.
200
kg CO2e
16
kg CO2e
668
kg CO2e
30
kg CO2e
Every new garment carries a significant carbon footprint from raw material production (cotton farming, petroleum extraction for synthetics), manufacturing (spinning, weaving, dyeing, cutting, sewing), transport (often from Asia to Western markets), and retail. The fashion industry is responsible for approximately 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions — more than international aviation and maritime shipping combined.
Second-hand clothing's carbon footprint consists almost entirely of transport and cleaning — the manufacturing emissions have already been 'paid' by the original purchase. By extending a garment's life, you effectively halve its per-wear carbon footprint. The average garment is worn just 7 times before disposal; buying second-hand and wearing items longer is one of the simplest ways to reduce your fashion carbon footprint.
The 'fast fashion' model — cheap garments worn a few times and discarded — is carbon-catastrophic. A £5 polyester top worn twice has an effective per-wear carbon cost of 12 kg CO2, compared to 0.8 kg for a quality item worn 30 times. The fashion industry produces 100 billion new garments per year — up from 50 billion in 2000 — yet 40% of clothing is never worn. Choosing fewer, better-quality items and wearing them more is as important as choosing second-hand: the cheapest route to a lower clothing footprint is simply buying less.
Charity shops, online platforms (Vinted, Depop, eBay, ThredUp), clothing swaps, and rental services all reduce demand for new production. When buying new, natural fibres (organic cotton, linen, wool) are biodegradable and typically have lower long-term microplastic impact than synthetics. Caring for clothes properly — cold washing, air drying, mending — dramatically extends lifespan. A garment worn 50 times instead of 10 has 80% lower per-wear emissions. The most sustainable wardrobe item is one you already own and love.
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