Soil: The Unsung Hero
Fashion emits 2.1 billion tonnes of C02 each year (approximately 4% of total global emissions).
And when we think CO2, we think Climate Crisis. But CO2 also means life. Carbon itself isn’t the bad guy. We need Carbon. The problem is when the speed at which we emit it does not meet the sequestration capacity of our natural resources.
So, how do we get the balance back?
There are multiple answers to this question. But soil is one of the main ones.
The Earth’s soil contains about 2,500 gigatons of carbon — that’s more than three times the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and four times the amount stored in all living plants and animals.* Soil has the capacity to act as a natural “carbon sink”. How? Through Photosynthesis. Nature’s amazing ability to convert carbon dioxide and sunlight into nutrients.
And by adopting regenerative farming practices we can maximise our soil’s ability to remove carbon dioxide from the air by storing it as organic carbon. To optimise for sequestration, there are several basic principles that farmers use to build healthy soil:
Let the soil rest. Constantly ploughing the soil and using harmful chemical make it difficult for complex soil ecosystems to thrive.
Roots = Good. Keeping living roots in the soil provides living organisms a constant source of nutrition. Soil microorganisms help prevent soil erosion, increase water infiltration rates, and provide plants with key nutrients.
Many plants = healthy soil. Growing a diversity of plants helps cultivate nutrient dense soil, increase soil carbon, and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
Sheep are key. Including animals in farming systems closes the nutrient loop and reduces the need for fertilisers. Implementing rotational grazing techniques will ensure that grass is trimmed regularly (without being overgrazed) and has enough time to regrow, storing more carbon in its roots in this process.
While regenerative farming alone will not solve the Climate Crisis, we strongly believe it plays an important role in building the New Fashion Future and are proud to partner with farms in New Zealand that understand that land, animals and people are part of a beautiful symbiotic system.
Want to learn more about Regenerative Farming and the importance of soil?
Netflix recently released an urgent and optimistic climate documentary narrated by Woody Harrelson called Kiss the Ground. That’s your Sunday afternoon sorted.
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