Africa and Asia take most of Europe’s 1.7 million tonnes of textile waste, which is eventually recycled or landfilled. writes about it www.
A European Environment Agency report says exports of used textiles from Europe, including clothing and shoes, have tripled in two decades. While exporting just over 550 thousand tons from 27 European countries in 2000, the amount of waste increased to 1.7 million tons in 2019.
Africa takes most of Europe’s waste – 46% of exports. Some of these are resold in second-hand shops, but most end up in landfills. Asia accepts 41% of used textiles from the EU. The textiles here can be recycled and reused.
The report highlights that people donate their used clothes to charities thinking they will be reused by the needy, which is not usually the case. “The public opinion that donors of used clothing always find use in these regions is not correct,” the report says.
Formerly socialbites.ca reportedCate Blanchett wore a BAFTA necklace made from recycled materials.