From Trendy To Trash | Fashion’s Waste Crisis

THE RISE OF FAST FASHION

In recent years, the fashion industry has boomed. Fast fashion, in particular, is thriving. These are cheap clothes, produced en masse and sold at low prices. More clothing is made than ever before, with 100 billion items produced every year. Our view of clothing has also changed. Wearing something only once is now normal. This ‘wear it once’ culture leads to more buying and more waste. But it’s not just the buyers’ fault. These garments are often low quality and full of dyes and toxins. They fall apart quickly and can’t biodegrade. 

So what does this mean? A growing waste problem.

FAST FASHION’S DIRTY SECRET

This discarded, low-quality clothing creates an environmental disaster that highlights immense global inequality. Out of the 100 billion items produced annually, three out of five end up in landfill within a year. These fashion dumpsites are home to mountains of discarded and decaying textiles, but they are also home to people who live and work in these dangerous environments. Fashion dumpsites are often found in poorer countries, with infamous locations around Africa and Asia. Much of this clothing is sent under the guise of donations, with unsold items ending up as toxic waste. Those living around these areas face health risks from the chemicals polluting the surrounding water and soil. It is crucial to draw attention to these areas where both people and the planet are suffering and to change the way we consume.

THE HIDDEN DUMPS 

ATACAMA DESERT, CHILE

The Atacama Desert has become a dumping ground for unwanted fast fashion items from around the globe. The dry climate here keeps the clothes from decomposing, turning the area into a massive textile wasteland. You can find piles of discarded clothing stretching across the desert and polluting this once-pristine environment. 

ACCRA, GHANA

Accra, the capital of Ghana, is home to Kantamanto Market. This market is famous for selling second-hand clothes from Western countries. But not all these clothes make it to the market. The nearby beaches are home to huge clothing dumps. These dumpsites are overflowing with textiles, creating health hazards for the local communities as toxins flood the waterways and fishermen catch clothing instead of fish. 

PANIPAT, INDIA 

Panipat is known as the global capital of recycling textiles. It’s famous for turning old clothes into new products. But not everything gets recycled. Some garments are of such poor quality that they end up in large, unsightly dumps. These dumps are filled with discarded fabrics that can’t be reused, creating an eyesore and environmental issues. 

BANGLADESH 

Bangladesh is a major hub for garment manufacturing. But it also faces a massive problem with textile waste. Excess production, faulty items, and unsold clothes often end up in landfills, creating an environmental crisis. Again, it is the local communities that bear the brunt of this waste, facing health risks and environmental degradation.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

There are lots of things that we can do to make a difference. Start with buying less and choosing well. By investing in quality pieces that last longer, you’ll benefit both your wardrobe and the planet. This is easily done by exploring second-hand shopping at thrift shops and online resale platforms where you can find unique items. You can also support sustainable brands that are committed to ethical practices and eco-friendly materials. Finally, if you are going to donate your clothes, make sure you research where you are donating to. Try to make sure your items go to places where they’ll be used, not dumped.

+Highlight Image: ©Hermes Rivera Via Unsplash