I nearly spit free-trade my coffee all over my computer screen when I read a report stating that 100 million new clothing items are being intentionally destroyed by retailers each year. Just think of the waste!
The report didn't come from an environmental group, but from the CEO of Australia's textile, clothing and footwear body, the Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA).
"Destroy" is literal - these items are not donated to charity or otherwise recycled - they are going into landfills. And, since most clothing is not eco-friendly. Leather shoes take about 45 years to decompose, a wool sock—one year, a cotton t-shirt about five months (under the right conditions—there have been clothes of cotton found in caves that are 10,000 tears old!)
Why is this happening? Supposedly to avoid selling it for a discounted price and preserving brand integrity.
It must have slipped under my radar, but it seems a well known fashion retailer in New York was found to be destroying quantities of brand new garments until they were exposed earlier this year.
This shameful waste isn't just a problem in the USA, it's supposedly happening in many countries.
The practice is beyond disgusting. The fashion industry has a considerable environmental impact as so many resources and so much energy goes into making clothing—and there are so many people who could benefit from this "waste".
In many African nations, there are thriving cottage industries involved in the sale of second hand clothes at affordable prices for the poor for example; not to mention the needy who could benefit from these clothes on our own country by donating used clothing to such charitable organizations such as Goodwill or The Salvation Army.
What can we do to stop this?
If you have a favorite clothing retailer, whether it's a boutique or big box store; contact them and point them to this article on the clothes waste issue and ask them what their policies are. Or look for clothing that is made from bamboo and is a natural product that not only is durable, but has very little environmental impact and decomposes natural. Also, check out retailers such as Zero Emissions Active Gear who do not destroy their inventory.
Our motto at Zero Emissions Active Gear® is "Be Fit…Be Green™!" And our mission is to share our wisdom and knowledge on how to make our planet greener for future generations. We do our part by passing along green tips and through our line of earth-friendly bamboo shirts and active wear for those who want a quality and comfortable shirt that is eco-friendly for a fitter planet.
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