Average American lance 82 pounds of clothing And contributes to a global waste of 92 million tonnes of textiles and fibers remaining each year, according to Earth.org.
While we all hope that the systems are in place to recycle each last piece, the truth is that recycling technology And funding is far behind.
What’s going on?
Not enough of the textiles that consumers hope to be recycled Thomson Reuters Foundation.
In Europe, only 1% of textile waste is transformed into new fibers. If investments were transformed into a new technology – like machinery to help separate and recycle individual fibers and accessories from shoes invented by Cetia – So until 70% of textiles could be recycled.
All clothing not treated in Europe and the United States are dispatched to countries in Asia and Africa, where there is also limited recycling. The worst case sees these countries let the trash are polluting their beaches and Navigable Ways.
Currently, the majority of textile recycling technology shreds the materials into smaller and lower quality versions, which is then transformed into a carpet, by wiping rags for the automotive industry and loads for mattresses.
A more advanced version, known as “chemical recycling”, seems to be capable of shredding materials without sacrificing quality. However, the Thomson Reuters Foundation Reported “this technology remains too expensive” to be largely adopted.
Why is textile recycling important?
Fast fashion is designed to deteriorate quickly in order to maintain the customer who wishes the next following and trendy article. The average fast fashion The article lasts only seven to 10 clothes before it is found in a discharge, by Earth.org.
With low quality textiles and constructions associated with technology that cannot follow, the textiles are buried, burned or accumulate in our environment, losing microplastics in our waterways.
What is it in the recycling of textiles?
The European Union has announced a aim That all the clothes sold on its market will be “to a large extent in recycled fibers” by 2030. This may be possible if investments are transformed into companies like Avantiumwhich separates the cotton polyester so that all the elements can be recycled.
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There is also a pressure to buy occasion and thrifty Instead of buying again to limit the amount of items launched. Used purchase can save you $ 1,760 per year On average, and this can give you access to rare and excluded styles, like this Nike find.
Individual companies also seek to do their share by creating programs that will recycle their own clothes or have their own resale program, such as Knickey for underwear and Hanna Anderson For children’s clothes.
As a consumer, you can always do your part by participating in programs like those mentioned above and slowing down your expenses to buy new ones whenever possible.
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