Water Footprint, Carbon Footprint and Recycling

The ecological footprint, which was put forward by Wackernagel and Rees in the early 1990s, is a natural resource accounting tool that enables the measurement of ecological sustainability. The ecological footprint resulting from the production and consumption activities of people shows the capacity of geographical regions to produce renewable natural resources, apart from the biological capacity. Ecological footprints are examined under six subtitles. Water footprint and carbon footprint are two of these topics. Water footprint is the amount of fresh water used. It shows the ratio of the amount of clean water used and the amount of dirty water. With the water footprint, it is determined how many steps a product passes until it reaches the consumer and how much water is consumed. Figure 1 shows the amount of water consumed via goods and services. For the production of a trouser (1 kg) 10,850 liters of water (45% green, 41% blue, 14% gray) are required.

Picture 1. The Amount of Water Consumed Through Goods and Services

The water footprint was first discovered in 2002 by the “University of Twente” in the Netherlands. Sustainable steps for the world we live in by holding meetings all over the world for this concept, which is very important especially today. trying to realize. With these studies, the producers and consumers of the countries are tried to be kept under certain standards. Carbon footprint, in shortest terms, is the measure of carbon dioxide emission that occurs at each stage of the product life cycle. Carbon footprint primary (Direct: carbon dioxide generated by domestic and transport energy consumption such as automobiles and aircraft) and secondary (Indirect: all from the manufacturing of the products used to their deterioration. The carbon dioxide formed as a result of the life cycle) is divided into two. The activities that create a carbon footprint are briefly summarizedf. Recycling and the use of wastes is an event that has increased awareness in recent years with high consumption. The biggest contribution to recycling is not consuming too much. In today’s society, this is not a successful tactic. For this reason, recycling balance must be established following the rules. This balance is based on reducing the rate of garbage by separating resources from their own classes. States have some sanctions for companies in order to ensure recycling. Turkey ‘campaign, which also produces plastic made with blue cap companies are forced to provide support to specific recycling rates in accordance with the law. Companies supporting this campaign also offered various gifts to people collecting plastic waste. Also, many countries have recycling bins for clothes. Some of these boxes belong to municipal organizations, others to private associations. The products are recycled and reused by applying certain stages. Aid shops, which are very common especially in European countries, have a very nice supply chain for recycling. Many associations are helped by reselling donated clothing and accessories. Recently, consumers have become conscious and want to consume environmentally friendly products. Many global brands that support and implement this awareness are supported by sales by the consumer. For example, the Better Cotton Initiative. Program BCI) the certificate provides support to the environment at many points, from child labour in the field to not using chemical products. Brands that support recycling provide support for the collection of second-hand clothes. Nudie Jeans’ tailoring services for worn trousers in each store and make them reusable. is a great example of innovation that can be given for sustainability. The use of various laser machines in order to reduce the consumption of chemicals and water spent on washing works to zero, or washing without water like Levi’s are also good examples. On the other hand, Isko, one of the world’s largest denim fabric manufacturers, has significantly reduced all the energy it consumes in production.