In recent years, the production of clothing has skyrocketed, and with it, a need for fast (and unsustainable) production. More and more clothes are made from cheap synthetic fibers. The "buy-wear-throw" model and the systemic overproduction promoted by fast fashion have led the industry and societies (from the Global North) to look for a way out, a way to deal with this huge waste and these (bad quality) unused products. And they found one: dump it all in the Global South, especially in Kenya!
Despite restrictions on plastic waste export around the world, a HUGE volume of used clothing shipped to Kenya contains plastic and is of such low quality that it immediately becomes waste. In recent years over 300 million items of damaged or unsellable clothing made of plastic fibers are exported to Kenya each year where they end up dumped, landfilled, or burned, exacerbating the plastic pollution crisis.
EU- or UK-based used-clothing exporters are packing bales with clothing unsuitable for the destination country, due to being damaged, too small, unfit for the climate or local styles, and sometimes even with clothing that is covered in vomit, stains or otherwise damaged beyond repair.
More than two-thirds of clothing made worldwide is now made of plastics like nylon and polyester which are impossible to recycle.
It is now time for the EU (and therefore the EU Commission) to start thinking of ways to tackle this huge issue. We cannot keep overproducing junk clothing filled with plastic. We cannot keep exporting our waste and problems to other countries. We need the fashion industry to be more sustainable, to promote reuse instead of buy, to promote second-hand, to stop promoting a destructive model. We need EU regulations that include comprehensive, strict recycling and reuse targets while shifting fashion towards more high-quality, sustainable fabrics.
The Nairobi River runs through waste clothing at Gikomba market. Picture by CMF/CUK, taken from Euronews Green.
Read more:
https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/02/16/eu-dumps-37-million-items-of-plastic-clothing-in-kenya-a-year-which-country-is-the-worst-o
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108 w
Dear Marine Stephan Thank you for getting your climate warning to level 2! We have reached out to European Commission and asked for a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! /Adam We Don't Have Time
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108 w
This is an incredibly alarming statistic, and it's a great example of how climate injustice is perpetuated by the fast fashion industry.
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108 w
Shameful
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108 w
From there, the gas and chemical leachates that emerge during the decomposition process pollute the air, soil, and groundwater and negatively impact the environment and health of humans and other species. Unwanted used clothing often clogs the gutters, preventing water from flowing properly
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108 w
This is taking advantage of the poor as always.
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108 w
This is not fair, this must come to an end.
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108 w
This should be stopped!
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109 w
For a continent that's supposedly leading the climate change conversation this is very hypocritical
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109 w
Pathetic!
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109 w
Shouldn't be happning
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109 w
Fast fashion is ugly!
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109 w
This should stop.Kenya is not a dumping site.
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109 w
@walter_lungayi why Kenya??it's unfortunate