Environmental Impacts
- Carbon Footprint (GHG Emissions)
- Polyester: Produces about 5-6 kg CO2e per kg.
- Cotton: Has a footprint of about 2.5 kg CO2e per kg, considering the intensive farming practices.
- Elastane: Although specific data is less available, it's estimated to have a high carbon footprint due to its petroleum base, similar to or higher than polyester. Let's use 6 kg CO2e per kg as an estimate.
- Water Usage
- Cotton: Highly water-intensive, requiring up to 20,000 liters to produce 1 kg.
- Polyester and Elastane: Less water-intensive in direct production but involve significant water use in the manufacturing process. We'll consider nominal values for these synthetics compared to cotton.
- Energy Consumption
- Synthetic Fibers (Polyester, Elastane): High energy consumption, with production processes being energy-intensive.
- Cotton: Also energy-intensive due to the agricultural practices involved.
Assuming an average weight of 0.1 kg (100 grams) per pair of soccer socks, we'll calculate the environmental impact for a pair focusing on these materials.
Let's calculate the impact next.
For producing a pair of soccer socks, weighing approximately 0.1 kg and made from a blend of polyester, cotton, and elastane, the estimated environmental impacts are as follows:
- Carbon Footprint (GHG Emissions): Approximately 0.495 kg of CO2 equivalent.
- Water Usage: Approximately 408 liters.
- Energy Consumption: Approximately 11.1 MJ (megajoules).
Impact Report Summary for 100 Pairs of Soccer Socks:
- Total GHG Emissions: For 100 pairs, the total GHG emissions would be about 49.5 kg of CO2 equivalent.
- Total Water Usage: The production of 100 pairs would use about 40,800 liters of water.
- Total Energy Consumption: The energy required for producing 100 pairs would be approximately 1,110 MJ.
These estimates highlight the environmental impact associated with the production of soccer socks, particularly emphasizing the water usage due to the cotton component. It underscores the potential for sustainability improvements, such as using recycled polyester, organic cotton with lower water and energy requirements, or alternative materials with a smaller environmental footprint. Implementing such changes can significantly mitigate the impacts on carbon emissions, water resources, and energy consumption.