#3 SUSTAINABILITY & RECYCLE: FAST FASHION

Planned obsolescence is deeply ingrained in all types of industries, including the clothing industry, which has introduced a new product, fast fashion.

Fast fashion refers to the rapid production and distribution of inexpensive clothing that mimics the latest fashion trends seen on catwalks and in fashion magazines. While it allows consumers to access trendy clothing at affordable prices, fast fashion has significant negative impacts on the environment.

This typeof industry relies on the rapid turnover of clothing styles, leading to increased production and consumption of textiles. This results in excessive use of natural resources such as water, energy, and raw materials like cotton and synthetic fibers.

The production of fast fashion garments involves the use of toxic chemicals for dyeing and finishing textiles, leading to pollution of waterways and soil. Additionally, the disposal of unsold or unwanted clothing contributes to landfill waste and releases harmful pollutants into the environment.

Fast fashion encourages a culture of disposability, where clothing is often worn only a few times before being discarded. This leads to a significant amount of textile waste, as many garments end up in landfills where they take years to decompose, emitting greenhouse gases in the process.

The fast fashion industry is known for its reliance on low-cost labor in developing countries, where workers are often subjected to poor working conditions, low wages, and long hours. This exploitation of labor contributes to social inequality and human rights abuses.

In Chile, an example of a large dump is Santa Marta, located on the outskirts of Santiago. This dump is known as the "fashion dump" because it receives a large amount of textile and fast fashion waste, much of which is imported from developed countries. Similar to Agbogbloshie, Santa Marta is often operated informally and without adequate environmental protection, resulting in serious environmental and social impacts on the local community.

These examples highlight the problems associated with waste exports and the urgent need to address these issues through stricter regulations, investment in recycling infrastructure, and changes in consumption and production patterns to reduce waste generation.

Proper disposal of fabric can be done in several ways, depending on the condition of the fabric and the recycling options available in your area. Here are some common options:

• Donation: If the fabric is in good condition and still usable, consider donating it to charities, local shelters, sewing groups, or craft projects. Many organizations accept fabric donations to create clothing, blankets, or other useful items for underserved communities.

• Textile recycling: Some areas offer textile recycling programs where you can deposit used fabrics in specific containers for textile recycling. These fabrics are then processed to create new products such as building insulation, furniture upholstery, or even new fabrics.

• Upcycling: If you're creative and skilled, you can try transforming used fabrics into new products through upcycling. This involves turning old fabrics into items of higher value or utility, such as bags, cushions, new clothes, or home decor items.

• Disposal in the trash: If the fabric is not suitable for donation, recycling, or reuse, it can be disposed of in the regular trash. Before doing so, however, try to reduce the volume of the fabric by cutting it into smaller pieces to minimize the impact on landfills.

Be sure to check the recycling and donation options available in your area, as they may vary depending on the locality. Whenever possible, choose disposal options that minimize waste and promote the reuse and recycling of textile materials.