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Stand.earth Questions the Sustainability Claims of Lululemon

Lululemon faces backlash for inadequate eco-friendly practices, as Stand.earth's report highlights gaps in the brand's decarbonization efforts.

Environmental Impact of Fashion Industry: Lululemon Under Investigation

Amid mounting pressures for the fashion industry to address environmental concerns, Lululemon is facing backlash for its insufficient progress in adopting eco-friendly practices. A new report by Stand.earth suggests that Lululemon’s efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependency and lower emissions are lacking.

The 2024 Clean Energy Close Up report by Stand.earth identifies significant gaps in the decarbonization efforts of eleven prominent fashion brands. The report brings Lululemon’s shortcomings into the limelight, particularly after allegations of greenwashing were leveled against the company earlier this year.

Scrutiny of Lululemon’s Environmental Impact Claims

High-end athletic wear brand, Lululemon, is currently under investigation by Canada’s Competition Bureau following a complaint by Stand.earth. The complaint accuses Lululemon of misrepresenting its environmental impact. Despite adopting the slogan “Be Planet,” Lululemon’s 2023 Impact Report revealed a 100% increase in climate pollution since the slogan was introduced. This sharp rise in emissions contradicts the company’s public commitment to environmental stewardship. The company reported a significant increase in gross profits to $1.3 billion in Q1 2024, marking an 11% growth over the same period last year.

Over 60% of Lululemon’s materials come from fossil fuels, known contributors to climate change and environmental degradation. These materials are difficult to recycle, non-biodegradable, and release harmful microplastics into the oceans. Stand.earth’s complaint calls for the retraction of Lululemon’s claims and emphasizes the need for brands to present accurate and transparent environmental statements.

Findings of the 2024 Clean Energy Close Up

The Clean Energy Close Up report presents a bleak view of the fashion industry’s progress towards sustainability. Shein, UNIQLO (Fast Retailing), and Lululemon were among the lowest-scoring brands in terms of efforts to reduce emissions, phase out coal, and transition to renewable energy. Most brands scored below 25 out of a possible 100 points, indicating a widespread failure to make significant progress towards decarbonization.

Among the evaluated brands, only Levi’s, Puma, and H&M are on track to reduce their manufacturing emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 2018. These companies have shown some commitment to sustainable practices, but significant challenges remain. For instance, Puma has increased its use of clean energy, but needs to provide more detailed reporting on its renewable energy sources to substantiate its claims.

Fast-fashion giant Shein scored a dismal 2.5 out of 100 and saw its absolute emissions rise by nearly 50% in one year. For context, this increase puts Shein’s annual pollution levels above those of the entire nation of Paraguay. This rapid expansion by the e-retailer poses a significant risk to the decarbonization efforts made by more established brands.

Greenwashing and Accountability in the Fashion Industry

Greenwashing remains a persistent issue in the fashion industry, as brands often exaggerate their environmental credentials to deflect attention from their negative impacts. This misleading practice hinders genuine progress towards sustainability. The investigation into Lululemon’s sustainability claims and increased scrutiny of Shein’s transparency issues, especially in the lead-up to its London IPO, highlight the urgent need for enhanced transparency and accountability.

Each company featured in the Close Up report has faced greenwashing accusations. While some brands are making progress in sustainability, it is crucial that their reports remain factual and devoid of marketing distortions. Accurate reporting is vital to ensuring that environmental claims are credible and contribute to genuine sustainability efforts.

Progress Toward Sustainable Fashion

Despite the challenges, there are signs of progress. Brands like Puma and H&M are starting to adopt cleaner energy usage and are supporting their suppliers in transitioning to renewable energy. These efforts need to be expanded and made more transparent to significantly reduce the industry’s overall environmental footprint.

The 2024 Clean Energy Close Up report and its accompanying Fashion Supply Chain Map underscore the significant gap between brands’ ambitious sustainability goals and their actual implementation. As the fashion industry continues to grow, it must address its heavy reliance on fossil fuels and move towards more sustainable, circular practices to mitigate its environmental impact.

The path to a sustainable fashion industry is complex and requires a unified effort from all stakeholders. For a truly sustainable future, brands must prioritize decarbonization, transparent reporting, and support for their supply chains.

Original Story at www.environmentenergyleader.com

Trending News

Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024