Delving into the Dark Side of Fast Fashion: Chile’s Growing Landfill Challenge
Amidst the holiday shopping spree, environmental advocates urge a rethink on buying fleeting fast-fashion items that contribute to a growing crisis. In Chile, a colossal landfill, just 30 minutes from the bustling city of Iquique, reveals the alarming aftermath of global fast-fashion consumption.
This illegal landfill, estimated to hold at least 30,000 tons of waste, is a poignant sight for residents like Angela Astudillo from Alto Hospicio. “It’s disheartening because these clothes don’t even come from here,” she laments. The mound harbors garments from worldwide origins, including menswear from Alabama, H&M apparel made in Pakistan, and even a high school graduation sash from New Jersey.
United Nations data exposes a concerning truth: Chile received a staggering 126,000 tons of used clothing in 2021, mostly from the European Union, China, and the United States. A mere quarter of these clothes were resold, with the remainder finding a tragic home in illegal landfills. The U.N. attributes these issues to the global menace of “fast fashion” and unbridled overproduction.
Chile’s alluring ports, such as those in Iquique, attract importers due to minimal taxes. However, the dark side emerges as unused items end up illicitly dumped. Local authorities, like Jamie Soto and Patricio Ferreira, grapple with the aftermath, implementing measures to curb illegal dumping and deploying surveillance tools.
Calls for legislative changes echo in Chile, urging the country to follow in the footsteps of other Latin American nations by restricting the import of used items. Meanwhile, individuals like Astudillo and her daughter champion recycling efforts, turning discarded items into new clothing. However, the battle against the fast-fashion landfill crisis continues, even as ships keep arriving at the port.