AI Environmental Impact Fashion: The True Cost of Digital Innovation

AI Environmental Impact Fashion: Water, Energy, and the Cost of Progress

As we dive deeper into the digital age, artificial intelligence (aka AI) is revolutionising the way we live and work. It’s reshaping industries and boosting productivity.

At Scarlet Destiny, we embrace digital tools to streamline our workflow so we can focus on what matters most: crafting meaningful pieces, connecting with our community, and pushing fashion forward.

But like all powerful technologies, AI comes with an environmental footprint. And it’s worth pausing to reflect on what that really means.

The Water and Energy Footprint of AI

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT have taken the world by storm. They help millions of users (us included) automate tasks, draft content, and brainstorm creative ideas.

But behind the scenes, these tools rely on massive data centres that consume large amounts of water and energy to operate.

Water: A Hidden Cost of Digital Brilliance

AI might seem abstract, but its infrastructure is anything but. Data centres — the powerful servers that make AI work — require significant cooling, often using huge volumes of water.

It’s estimated that generating a single 100-word response from a tool like ChatGPT consumes just over one bottle of water. If one in ten Americans used ChatGPT weekly for a year, it would use as much water as the state of Rhode Island does in one and a half days.

In drought-prone areas, that kind of usage raises serious concerns.

Beyond cooling, the production of servers and high-tech components also demands water and rare minerals. This contributes to resource depletion and water pollution.

Energy: Powering the Digital Revolution

AI is also incredibly energy-hungry. Training large language models like GPT-4 can use up to 50 times more energy than earlier versions. That’s roughly equivalent to the annual electricity use of hundreds of homes.

Although more data centres are shifting towards renewable energy, many still rely on fossil fuels like coal and gas. The data centre industry already accounts for 2 to 3 percent of global carbon emissions. That figure is expected to rise sharply as AI use continues to grow. This adds pressure to local power grids and fuels the climate crisis we’re all trying to fight.

Balancing Progress with Responsibility

As a small, purpose-led brand, Scarlet Destiny faces a tough balancing act.

We rely on AI tools to stay efficient and creative. From content creation to managing our online shop, they help us run smoothly. But we’re also deeply committed to sustainability.

As we expand into new ventures like Amazon KDP publishing, we’ve run into another challenge. There are currently no eco options for recycled paper or plant-based inks.

To offset our print impact, we donate to reforestation projects via MoreTrees every quarter. Not every book plants a tree, but every copy helps grow a wilder, wiser forest of change.

Moving Forward, Thoughtfully

AI isn’t going anywhere. Like most major innovations, it brings both opportunities and consequences.

At Scarlet Destiny, we’re committed to making small, conscious choices every day. From using low-impact leather and ethical production methods to offsetting our digital footprint where we can.

It’s about being transparent, adaptable, and thoughtful in how we build our future.

What about you?

How do you balance the convenience of tech with your care for the planet?

Let’s keep the conversation going. 🌱

Sources: greenmatters.com

Image credits: canva.com