The surprising truth about what happens to discarded clothing
You might think that once you toss your old clothes into the donation bin or the trash, they disappear from your life forever. But in reality, the fate of your discarded clothing is more complicated and surprising than you might think. With the rise of fast fashion and consumerism, more and more clothing is being discarded each year. So, what exactly happens to all of those unwanted clothes?
The environmental impact
Let’s start with the most alarming truth about discarded clothing: its negative impact on the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 16 million tons of textile waste was generated in 2018, making up 5.8 % of total waste generated in the United States. And this number is only expected to increase in the coming years.
Landfills
One common fate for discarded clothing is ending up in a landfill. When clothes are sent to a landfill, they take up valuable space and release harmful greenhouse gases as they decompose. In addition, the dyes and chemicals used in the production of clothing can pollute the soil and groundwater, posing a risk to both the environment and human health.
Incineration
In some cases, clothing may be sent to incinerators where they are burned for energy. While this may seem like a more environmentally friendly option, it still has negative consequences. Burning clothes releases toxins and pollutants into the air, contributing to air pollution and potential health hazards for nearby communities.
The economic impact
The impact of discarded clothing isn’t just limited to the environment. It also has economic implications, particularly in developing countries that are major exporters of used clothing. The large volume of discarded clothing from developed countries inundates these markets and drives down the demand for locally made clothing, damaging the livelihoods of those working in the industry.
Charity donations
Charitable organizations play a crucial role in redistributing used clothing to those in need. However, the vast amount of clothing donated can overwhelm these organizations, leading to excess clothing being sent overseas or ending up in landfills due to insufficient infrastructure or competition from cheap donated clothing.
Repurposing and recycling
Many companies are starting to offer options for recycling or repurposing old clothing. While this is an important step towards sustainability, it is not a perfect solution. Recycling clothing still requires energy and resources, and some fabrics may not be able to be recycled at all. Additionally, repurposed clothing may not always be in high demand, leading to excess inventory and potential waste.
What can we do?
While the issue of discarded clothing may seem overwhelming, there are steps we can take to help mitigate its impact. One of the most effective ways is to reduce the amount of clothing we consume. Consider investing in higher quality, longer-lasting clothing and avoid buying into fast fashion trends.
Donate thoughtfully
If you do choose to donate your unwanted clothing, be mindful of the organization you are donating to. Research their methods for distributing clothing and try to choose organizations that prioritize local communities and sustainability.
Repurpose and upcycle
Get creative and find ways to repurpose old clothing that may be too damaged to donate. Cut up old t-shirts for cleaning rags, or use old jeans to make a tote bag. There are endless possibilities for giving new life to old clothing.
The surprising truth about what happens to discarded clothing is that it has a much larger impact on the environment and economy than we might have thought. By being mindful of our consumption and finding alternative methods for disposing of old clothing, we can all play a part in reducing the negative consequences of discarded clothing. Let’s make a conscious effort to make sure our clothing doesn’t have a harmful afterlife.
