We all love a good deal, especially when it comes to clothes. But have you ever stopped to think about the hidden costs of that trendy, dirt-cheap polyester top? A new documentary pulls back the curtain on a disturbing trend: the mass export of plastic waste disguised as used clothing from wealthy nations to the Global South, with Kenya, Ghana etc. being a prime example.
Fast fashion is a major contributor to the world’s clothing waste problem. Many of us give our old clothes to charity or drop them in a store take-back bin, but you might be surprised to learn most of it is sold and can end up in the landfill.
Here’s the shocker: restrictions on plastic waste export seem to have a major loophole. Mountains of used clothing flooding Kenyan shores aren’t just old cotton t-shirts – a significant portion, over 300 million items annually by our estimates, are actually damaged or unsellable garments made with synthetic fibers, essentially plastic!
This influx of plastic masquerading as clothing has devastating consequences. Instead of finding a second life, these synthetic garments end up in landfills, dumped on the side of the road, or worse – burned in open fires. The result? Rampant plastic pollution that chokes the environment and harms communities.
Shopping for new clothes? We’re testing clothing from some of the world’s biggest fast-fashion retailers for toxic dyes and chemicals. We found products that could put your health at risk.
These documentaries exposes the dark underbelly of fast fashion’s addiction to cheap, synthetic materials. While the Global North enjoys the fleeting thrill of a trendy outfit, the burden of waste disposal falls on the Global South, often lacking the infrastructure to handle it responsibly.
The world’s growing appetite for cheap clothes has created a major environmental problem in Ghana. While well-meaning donations of used clothes provide jobs for some, a large portion ends up as unusable waste. This “fast fashion” castoff piles up in unregulated dumps, pollutes waterways, and harms wildlife. The responsibility lies with both irresponsible clothing consumption and a lack of proper textile waste management.
Europeans discard 2 million tonnes of textiles annually, with one garbage truck worth of textiles being landfilled or incinerated every second. Although many donate their unwanted clothes to charity, the fate of these garments remains largely unknown.
The global process involves 70% of donated clothing being baled and sold to textile merchants, who then export them to Sub-Saharan Africa for resale. “Textile Mountain,” a 20-minute documentary filmed in Kenya, Ireland, and Belgium, sheds light on the social and environmental repercussions of this second-hand clothing trade. It traces the journey of discarded garments from European recycling bins to landfills and waterways in the Global South.
Above documentary urges a reconsideration of how we design, wear, and repurpose clothing to prevent our fashion waste from burdening other countries.
In today’s era of excessive consumption, the fashion industry epitomizes this trend, particularly with the rise of ‘fast fashion’. With enticing advertising, consumers are constantly enticed to purchase new clothing items. The influx of new collections at increasingly rapid rates, often at low prices, suggests a seemingly endless cycle of consumption. Moreover, clothing labels often boast about their eco-friendly practices, purportedly adhering to stringent environmental standards, thus appealing to conscientious consumers.
However, the reality may not match the rhetoric. Through undercover investigation, two journalists delve into the operations of textile factories producing garments for the European market. What they uncover is a grim picture of environmental degradation and exploitation. Despite claims of sustainability, companies are found to prioritize profit over genuine environmental concerns, capitalizing on the marketability of eco-friendly labels.
Sustainability is selling, with some of fashion’s biggest brands claiming their shoes and clothes are eco-friendly and better for the planet. But have companies like Nike, Gap, Lululemon and H&M gone far enough? CBC Marketplace exposes the fashion industry’s problem with polyester and its reliance on fossil fuel-derived synthetics.
Here’s the call to action: The next time you’re tempted by that rock-bottom priced polyester dress, take a moment to consider the hidden costs. Support sustainable brands that prioritize ethical production and natural materials. Embrace quality over quantity, invest in timeless pieces that will last. And finally, give your unwanted clothes a second life through responsible donation or resale.
Eco India: How can we become fashion forward by using second hand clothes?
Fashion is one of the most polluting industries on the planet – contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions and wastewater. And every second a truckload-full of clothes is burned or buried in landfills. While younger Indians have only recently adopted the concept of ‘thrifting’, one model of reuse has been around for centuries, practiced by the nomadic community of Gujarat.
Let’s break the cycle of fast fashion that’s polluting our planet and harming communities. Together, we can ensure our wardrobes are as stylish as they are sustainable.
When making clothing purchases, prioritize items crafted from 100% natural fibers. Whether handmade or machine-made, opt for garments made from natural fibers, such as those offered by brands like Handlooom.com, renowned for their commitment to exclusively natural fiber clothing. Not only do these garments boast durability, but they are also biodegradable.
Aim to incorporate at least 30% of your wardrobe with natural fiber clothing, with a preference for handmade options if feasible. Natural fibers offer versatility across all seasons, providing warmth in winter and breathability in summer. Furthermore, they age gracefully, becoming increasingly soft with each wash. Conduct thorough research to identify brands genuinely dedicated to eco-friendly practices, avoiding those merely engaging in greenwashing tactics commonly employed by many popular fast fashion brands.