In 2022, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 30 March as International Day of Zero Waste, to be observed annually. This year the theme is textiles and fashion, calling attention to the need for action to reduce waste in the fashion and textile sector and advance circular solutions. This aligns with the Responsible Consumption and Production Goal number 12 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the UN.
Why does textile waste matter?
“Fast fashion outlets that churn out weekly collections have fueled a culture of overconsumption, unfortunately turning clothes into disposable items rather than what used to be durable goods,” said Beth Fiteni, Zero Waste Campaign Coordinator, for Friends of the Earth Malta. The rapid growth in textiles production and consumption is causing severe environmental and social impacts, particularly in the Global South. According to the UN, “92 million tonnes of textile waste is produced globally. This equates to a garbage truck full of clothing incinerated or sent to landfills every second.”
🔹Eleven kg of textile waste is generated per person per year in the EU, but only about 15% is recaptured for reuse or recycling. According to the Malta National Statistics Office, 77 tonnes of textiles were recycled in 2023 in Malta, though over 1425 tonnes of textile waste were generated = meaning only about .05% was recycled or reused.
🔹Natural fabrics breaking down in anaerobic conditions in a landfill cause methane emissions, contributing to climate change. Polyester fibers are made from plastic, which are made from oil, and will not break down for numerous years.
🔹Most discarded clothing is exported, incinerated, or dumped, often harming communities in the Global South.
🔹The textile industry uses over 8,000 chemicals. The clothes we wear every day could contain substances linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and environmental harm.
What are the solutions to clothing and textile waste?
Martin Galea de Giovanni, Director of Friends of the Earth Malta says, “All of us, at the individual, business, and government levels can make a difference. By reducing waste at the source, we fight fast fashion, protect communities, and transform discarded textiles into valuable resources.”
Prioritise mindful shopping! If you don’t need something, don’t buy it. If you do need something, consider looking for second-hand items first. Locally, you can join Friends of the Earth Malta for one of their swap shops or thrift pop-ups, support charity thrift shops, or go to the Farmoury in Manikata, Mellieha to their clothing thrift. Consumers can also repair slightly damaged clothing instead of tossing it in the waste bin, or list items online at Recycle Malta. In Malta, blue bins provided by Refab are located in many communities where you can also donate gently used clothing for reuse.
Governments can help lead the way by improving clothing collection, sorting, and reuse programs. Stronger EU regulations are needed to ensure transparency, safer materials, and toxic chemical-free fashion. Governments can also enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes which require businesses to take back items they sell for recycling or repurposing. They can also invest in recycling infrastructure, and incentivize sustainable business models to drive the transition to a circular economy.
Clothing and textile businesses can do their part by designing products that are durable, repairable, and recyclable. They can make efforts to reduce production volumes, use sustainable materials, and minimise use of chemicals.
For more information on ways to reduce waste, learn more HERE