A study of nine international cities, including Melbourne, has found oversupply and overconsumption has led charities to dumping unwanted clothes in landfill or sending them to other countries.
Global researchers are calling for a ban on fashion advertising and for local councils to do more to fight textile waste .A study of textile waste management in more than half a dozen international cities, including Melbourne, has found most unwanted clothes are thrown into landfill or exported for another country to deal with, even if they're donated to charity.
The study found the same patterns of overconsumption and oversupply of fashion were the main drivers of textile waste in wealthy cities around the world. Dr Samie said the study identified that local governments need to do more to help charities with the finances, resources, and skills to extend their operations.
"Described as 'waste colonialism', exports of second-hand textiles from wealthy economies essentially place a burden of managing end-of-life treatments of these materials on populations in countries that do not have the capacity to absorb the increasing volumes of synthetic, non-biodegradable textile waste," the report said.
"It is a very strange idea in the beginning but when you start thinking about it we can start talking about so many other topics that really matter — more careful, mindful format of fashion," she said. Natural fibres would then eventually break down in landfill but the study found there was now a proliferation of synthetic fibres and chemicals in clothes that made them non-biodegradable.
"When it comes to ultra-fast fashion or fast fashion or all the poorly constructed forms of clothing, I think it's a very, very long way ahead of us in terms of getting rid of it.
Unwanted Clothes Fashion Waste Textile Waste Textile Recycling Over Production Over Consumption Recycling Landfill Charity Op Shops
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Melbourne Cup live updates: Melbourne Cup up next at Flemington with record number of female jockeysFour female jockeys have rides in this year's Melbourne Cup, hoping to be the second after Michelle Payne to ride the winner in the 'race that stops the nation'. Follow live.
Read more »
Melbourne Cup live updates: Knight's Choice wins Melbourne Cup at Flemington in photo finishKnight's Choice has caused a boilover at Flemington, winning the 164th Melbourne Cup. Follow live.
Read more »
Uber, Melbourne Airport sued after drivers refuse Melbourne teacher and assistance dogPeter Frank and his dog are seeking compensation and 'change' after two drivers refused to pick him up at Melbourne Airport in 2023.
Read more »
Fed up Melbourne residents call for council crackdown on feral pigeon feedingResidents in Melbourne's south-east are calling for better signage to discourage people from feeding feral birds.
Read more »
Family of man killed 'execution-style' in unsolved Melbourne murder call for police rewardThe family of a man killed 'execution-style' nearly 50 years ago at a jeweller's office in Melbourne's CBD has made a fresh appeal for information about his murder.
Read more »
Vets make last-minute Cox Plate call, Maher unearths another Melbourne Cup runnerImport Docklands had to undergo a vet inspection on Saturday morning, while another Ciaron Maher stayer has emerged as a Melbourne Cup threat.
Read more »