The mounting problem of textile waste is beginning to be quantified in scientific research.
Across the globe consumers now purchase more than 80 billion pieces of new clothing each year, with an increasing amount ending up in landfills.

The average North American threw away 81 pounds of clothing in the previous year – 95 per cent of which could have been reused or recycled.

It is a lack of consumer awareness and understanding which has dictated these habits. Many do not have a grasp of the environmental impact of clothing production and disposal.

In order to encourage a change in behavior, donating and buying second-hand goods should be easy and accessible for consumers. Convenience is one of the top five reasons people choose to donate their clothing. They say they would support recycling bins in urban areas to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. But 80 per cent would only be willing to drive 15 minutes or less to donate their unwanted apparel.

Decluttering their homes and saving money are primary reasons consumers choose to donate and buy secondhand clothes.

Public education is vital to ensure people realise the real cost of overconsumption and excessive waste in the apparel sector.