Wow, this provides perspective …
This is because of the extensive number of steps in production chains.
As an example, the attached infographic follows the hypothetical production journey of a t-shirt bought online by a Canberran. Here you can see that the associated greenhouse gas emissions are all ‘scope 3 emissions’, apart from the small proportion involved once the t-shirt enters the ACT.
Even if most of the production steps occurred in a single country, every step would occur in a different location, requiring emission-producing transportation and warehouse storage between destinations. Every time a machine is involved energy is required, and this energy is typically produced from fossil fuels, thereby increasing the carbon footprint.
Something to think about before you add to your online cart …
Felicity Maher
Sustainability Officer
