World Clean Up Day 2024: Fashion’s Responsability
This year, World Clean Up Day returns on Friday, 20th September, now officially recognised on the UN Calendar of International Days. With a bold mission to activate 5% of the world’s population, this global initiative aims to bring lasting societal change in how we manage waste. As communities around the world gear up to tackle litter and pollution, the message is clear: let’s do it – together.
To date, 211 countries and territories have pledged their participation, and over 91 million people have signed up, representing just over 1.1% of the global population. But we need more. The ambition is to ignite a movement that will not only clean up our streets, parks, and beaches but also shift the global mindset towards sustainable consumption and responsible waste management.
Fashion’s dirty secret: waste and water Pollution
One of the most pressing issues highlighted in this year’s campaign is the fashion industry’s colossal contribution to waste. Each year, a staggering 100 billion garments are produced, and out of these, a mind-blowing 92 million tonnes end up in landfills. To put this into perspective, this equates to a rubbish truck full of clothes being dumped every second.
If current trends persist, this waste is expected to soar to 134 million tonnes a year by the end of the decade, placing even more strain on the planet. The consequences of fast fashion don’t stop at landfills. The industry is responsible for approximately 20% of global industrial wastewater pollution, largely due to the toxic chemicals and dyes used in manufacturing. On top of this, nearly 10% of microplastics found in our oceans each year come from textiles, worsening marine pollution and threatening ecosystems.
As fast fashion brands continue to churn out twice the amount of clothing they did in 2000, the environmental costs keep escalating. The fashion industry’s global emissions are projected to increase by 50% by 2030 unless serious action is taken. Worse still, the number of times a garment is worn has dropped by 36% in the past 15 years, a stark reminder of the wastefulness of today’s consumption patterns.
Photo: World Clean Up Day 2023
A Call to Action: What You Can Do
This year’s World Clean Up Day is more than just picking up litter – it’s a powerful reminder that small actions can create big change. Tackling fashion waste is one of the many ways we can contribute to reducing global waste and pollution. Here’s how you can help:
Reduce Textile Consumption: Before buying new clothes, think twice. Consider second-hand shopping or swapping clothes with friends and family.
Make Mindful Purchases: Invest in quality garments that last longer and are made from sustainable materials. Choose brands committed to ethical production.
Repair and Reuse: Instead of throwing away clothes, try repairing them or repurposing them into something new.
Vote for Legislation: Support policies that hold fashion brands accountable for their environmental impact. Demand stricter regulations around textile waste and recycling.
Join World Clean Up Day: On 20th September, participate in local clean-up events, taking action to protect your community and the environment.
Photo: World Clean Up Day
In 2020 alone, 2.6 million tonnes of returned clothes ended up in landfills in the US. This throwaway culture is unsustainable, but with global events like World Clean Up Day, we have the chance to reverse this trend.
Let’s stand together on 20th September to clean up our planet – from our local streets to our oceans – and commit to a future where waste is managed responsibly, and every action counts.
For more information on how to join your local clean-up efforts or organise an event, visit the World Clean Up Day website and become part of this global movement. It’s time to make a change – for our communities, our planet, and future generations.