The North Face, Lululemon, Columbia
- Details
- Published on Friday, 29 January 2021 09:20
- Written by editor
r33
Hi friend,
There’s no denying it: Coal is one of the biggest sources of climate pollution. This fossil fuel causes 800,000 premature deaths globally per year, and millions more long and short term illnesses. Yet, the very clothes we put on our backs are still made with coal.
At Stand.earth we’re making sure clothing brands prioritize kicking coal out of our clothing. And where better to start than with outdoor companies, The North Face, Lululemon and Columbia – who are already claiming to be industry leaders in sustainability. (I mean, climate catastrophe is kind of a threat to outdoor activities, no?)
But we’re running out of time, so we’re asking them to take their climate action up a notch: Commit to go 100% coal free by 2030 (especially in your supply chains).
ADD YOUR NAMEThe majority of these three companies’ emissions are generated in their supply chains – by manufacturing their products in countries like Vietnam, China, and India where coal use is heavy and still expanding. Unlike some brands, The North Face, Lululemon, and Columbia have announced goals to clean up their supply chain pollution by working with factories and suppliers, but have they really followed through?
- The North Face has taken early steps to adopt renewable energy in factories but needs to rapidly scale it up. The outdoor brand said it prioritizes cutting factory pollution first, but it needs to move away from a reliance on false solutions like offsets, that do nothing to kick the coal habit.
- Despite setting climate targets, Lululemon is making yoga pants to accompany our mindful habits with dirty coal powered electricity in Vietnam, Cambodia, and China. Where are the renewable yoga pants for the climate emergency? If Apple can make iPhones with renewable energy, Lululemon should be able to make yoga pants without burning coal.
- Columbia lags far behind in transitioning away from coal, and has yet to set targets to reduce its climate pollution or transition to renewables, despite the fact that the vast majority of its clothes are made in countries like Vietnam, China, Indonesia, and India, where coal power is prevalent and rapidly rising.
While it’s good to see these brands taking responsibility for their supply chains, let’s be clear that in order to cut pollution and reduce their climate impact, they cannot rely on offsets, intensity-based targets, or other false solutions. Considering that a large portion of their manufacturers use coal-powered electricity, phasing out this dirty fossil fuel is the only true solution to cutting climate pollution.
2020 already planted the seed for a reset, but in 2021 we will shift major fashion corporations from deadly coal to renewables. Our fashion campaign is the only one of its kind and we are the driving force pressuring the biggest fashion companies to be bold for the climate. Together, the Stand community has successfully pushed companies like Levi’s and American Eagle Outfitters to take climate action. So, thank you for being part of this team, and standing up for the environment.
These activewear companies must be leaders in the fight against climate change by committing to ridding their supply chains of coal by 2030.
Who will be the first to make a coal free pledge by 2030?
With style, and grace,
Erdene Batzorig
Digital Campaigner & Fashionista
Stand.earth
Stand.earth challenges corporations, industries, and governments to prioritize the well-being of people, our environment, and our climate by creating long-term, effective solutions. None of this work is possible without your support. DONATE $5 San Francisco office: 548 Market Street, Suite 74196, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401 On traditional Chochenyo and Karkin Ohlone Lands
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