| Abstract [eng] |
This paper presents an algorithm for evaluating the environmental impact of clothing swaps, promoting extended use and responsible consumption. Implemented in an online swapping platform, the algorithm quantifies reductions in environmental impact due to extended clothing lifespan and avoided purchase of new garment, promoting swapping activities. Developed through scientific literature analysis, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and swapping practice studies, the algorithm uses key environmental indicators: carbon footprint, water use, energy consumption, and land use. It integrates consumer behaviour insights and uses both default and user-entered clothing data to calculate environmental savings. Results show that clothing impact varies by fabric. Viscose and polyester garments have the lowest environmental impact, while swapping cotton and wool items yields the highest savings, as these materials are more resource intensive. The platform-integrated algorithm recorded 251 swaps over two months, preventing 4,137 kg CO₂ emissions, 6,809 m³ of water use, 3.08 m²a crop eq of land use, and 87.23 GJ of energy consumption. These findings highlight the significant environmental benefits of prolonging clothing use through swapping instead of throwing clothes away. |
