The Hidden Footprint of Your Purchases
When we think of CO2 emissions, cars and heating come to mind. But the consumer goods we buy — clothes, smartphones, electronics — have an enormous and often underestimated impact. According to the European Environment Agency, textiles are the fourth highest-pressure sector in the EU, after food, housing, and transport.
How the Calculation Works
The calculator estimates emissions based on your annual spending level in two main categories:
- Clothing: from 200 kg CO2/year for minimal buyers to nearly 2,000 kg for frequent shoppers. Emission factors from the ADEME Base Carbone account for the full lifecycle: raw materials, production, transport, and disposal
- Electronics: from 100 kg CO2/year for those who keep devices long to 900 kg for frequent upgraders
The second-hand factor reduces emissions because buying used avoids manufacturing new goods. Frequent second-hand buyers can reduce their impact by up to 40%.
How to Reduce Your Shopping Impact
The most effective strategies are: buy less and better (durable items instead of fast fashion), choose used when possible, repair instead of replace, and keep electronic devices as long as possible. Selling or donating what you no longer use also contributes to the circular economy.