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A new report from Friends of the Earth (FoE) estimates for the first time how much land and water well-known brands such as Apple, Kraft and Gap use in a year, and what is needed to manufacture some of the products they sell.
Based on modelling by environmental data company Trucost, the ‘Mind your step’ report examines the land and water ‘footprints’ of a range of diverse products including smartphones, leather boots, coffee, chicken curry ready-meals, t-shirts, and milk chocolate.
Trucost’s calculations also indicate the extent to which often controversial stages in the manufacture of these products - such as mining for metals and minerals, and water pollution from electronics assembly factories - contribute to these water and land footprints.
Former European Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik commented: “The estimates provided in the report are extremely useful reminders of how heavily we currently tread on the world. More than that, in a world of fragile economies and environments, they are signposts to how we can tread more lightly, while continuing to grow our economies and improve the wellbeing of our citizens.”
Read the full report here.
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