ACTIVITY

CO2 impact of my clothes – Part 1

The students are divided into different groups and work together to find out the CO2 impact of their assigned clothing item according to different resources.

The intention is for students to find out what clothing item has the most CO2 impact, and why this is the case.

 

Before:

This activity is part 1 of 2. Part 2 can be found here: CO2 impact of my clothes – Part 2.

1

Explain that every piece of clothing has a carbon footprint: CO₂ emissions produced from growing, manufacturing, transporting, and washing it. Students will work in groups to research and compare how different clothing items affect the planet.

2

Divide the class into small groups using the Random Groups method. Assign one clothing item to each group: cotton t-shirt, polyester t-shirt, jeans, hoodie, dress and/or shoes.

3

Using the internet, each group finds out:

  • How much CO₂ is produced in making their clothing item.
  • Why that number is high or low (materials, manufacturing process, transport, washing, etc.).
  • Any differences between natural and synthetic materials.
  • Possible ways to reduce the footprint (e.g., longer use, washing less often, recycling).

Didactic tips:

  • Create a poster or digital infographic with the class titled “The Carbon Footprint of Our Clothes.” Include each clothing item, its CO₂ data, and key takeaways.
GreenComp: problem framing, critical thinking, futures literacy, individual initiative
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Investigate
THEME:
Textile & fashion
TIME: 45 min.
AGE: 13-15 years

SUBJECTS:

  • Nature sciences
  • Social studies
  • Mathematics
  • Mother tongue
  • Home economics

TOOLS / MATERIALS:

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METHODS:

RESOURCES: