Africa should not become a dumping ground for fast fashion

In the past, sending second-hand clothes to developing countries used to be considered a charitable action. However, as time has passed, it has become an issue that has both environmental and social implications.

France, Sweden, and Denmark have proposed a ban on EU exports of second-hand clothing. This proposal was discussed at the EU Environment Council on March 25th. On the other hand, second-hand clothing organizations have argued that the ban would negatively impact the livelihoods of millions of people. They have also lobbied EU countries to reject the proposal.

According to the European Environment Agency, EU textile waste exports have tripled in the past 20 years. Some second-hand clothes are resold, some are downgraded to industrial rags or stuffing, and others end up in open landfills or are discarded.

However, Clean Up Kenya, an environmental organization in Kenya, admits that millions of Africans rely on the second-hand clothing industry to make a living. Despite this, they still support the proposal to ban EU exports of second-hand clothing. They hope that this will stimulate discussions on second-hand clothes and ultimately lead to solutions that are beneficial to the environment.