#otexa

Donating Used Clothes

A recent article surprisingly on Yahoo! Style shed a bit of light on the worldwide network of used clothing distribution. The article specifically focused on Africa and the impact that this funneling of used products has had on the stability and creation of an apparel and textile industry on the continent. However, exporting used clothing happens throughout the world, not just in Africa. Countries such as Brazil have severe restrictions on importing used products. This is to protect its domestic shoe and clothing industries. A list of current foreign restrictions and requirements can be found at OTEXA.

It’s neocolonialism in its purest form,” noted the late Neil Kearney, general secretary for the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers Federation. “It’s exporting poverty to Africa, a continent that is already exceedingly poor.

While donating clothing to secondhand stores or other noteworthy organizations is a step in the right direction, we should continue to investigate and be curious about where this clothing goes. Other questions of note: If we consumed less clothing or bought more used clothing when we needed it, would this allow for less to be given away? What is the fuel cost of having our clothing made overseas and for its second life the clothing is shipped again back overseas?