Confronting textile waste: What are the next steps for a justice-led circular economy?

Textiles waste is fueling the climate crisis. The haunting images of overflowing donation centers in Los Angeles after the January fires offer a stark reminder of the feedback loop between waste and extreme weather. SUAY collected over 50 tons of textiles to recycle, helping alleviate this burden. 

 

Even more striking were the parallels yet limited coverage of the fire in Kantamanto Market in Ghana that same month where 15 million used garments arrive each week. While the community works to upcycle and resell much of this clothing, around 40% is unsalvageable. In response, The Or Foundation has been long campaigning for more accountability with their ‘Speak Volume’ campaign and support for the community. 

 

This conversation explores how The Or Foundation and Suay are joining forces to reimagine sustainable disaster relief for a justice-led circular economy.