JOB CREATION
UNRAVELING FAST FASHION
SANTIAGO, CHILE
When preparing for a trip or shopping during vacation, choose textiles thoughtfully and invest in items designed for longevity and made from natural fibers. The synthetic textile waste in Chile highlights the significant environmental impact of overconsumption all over the world and the importance of mindful purchasing.
What's
changing
Textile waste accounts for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and leaks half a million tons of microfibers into the ocean each year. In Chile, the world’s third-largest importer of secondhand clothing, discarded garments in the Atacama Desert were so extensive that they were visible from space before recent toxic fires incinerated many of the piles. To address this pressing issue, innovators are developing circular economy strategies that reduce fashion waste and benefit the environment, entrepreneurs and local communities.
What's already
possible
Ecocitex is a social enterprise in Santiago, Chile that turns old textiles into new yarn to be sold to entrepreneurs and artisans.
Seizing
the opportunity
Ecocitex collects clothes from the public in all conditions and donates or sells garments still in good shape. For items that are no longer wearable, the company cuts up the fabric, matches colors, shreds the textiles, sorts the fibers and spins them into yarn, all without using dyes. These spools of yarn are sold to local fashion entrepreneurs who turn them into clothes. Ecocitex operates two stores at donation centers in Santiago where visitors can shop for secondhand clothing, yarn, blankets and accessories made in-house with recycled fabrics. Zippers, buttons and other non-textile clothing elements are available at the store for free.
Standout
tactic
The organization employs and trains formerly incarcerated women and supports them in rehabilitation as they rejoin their communities.
How
it helps
Ecocitex, which depends on donations to maintain its operations, mitigates 5.8 tons of carbon dioxide for every ton of clothing recycled.
Diving
deeper
Most secondhand clothes shipped to Chile originate from European and U.S. brands. How can the fashion industry be convinced to cut fast fashion and embrace long-lasting, quality pieces that are better for the environment?
Increasing
impact
Organizations focused on the circular economy of fashion can collaborate with mainstream designers and influencers to promote collections made from recycled yarn. This can shift public perception and enhance the appeal of sustainable fashion.
Traveling
better
Travel is inherently carbon intensive. Whether you are taking a mini-break or an annual vacation, consider ways to minimize your impact by staying longer in one place, reconsidering how you travel to the destination, and supporting businesses that are working to make their community and the world a better place.
