Initiative helps clean the Atacama desert that receives 39,000 discarded pieces per year
The fashion industry is recognized as one of the most polluting in the world, behind only the oil industry. According to the United Nations (UN), it accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 20% of water waste on the planet. To produce a single piece of jeans, for example, approximately 7,500 liters of water are consumed. In Chile, this reality materializes in mountains of discarded clothes. It is estimated that about 39,000 tons of pieces are dumped annually in the region, forming true textile cemeteries. This phenomenon is a consequence of the fast -fashion rapid production model, especially ‘fast fashion’, which generates excessive disposal of new or poorly used items, mainly from US, Europe and Asia markets. Given this scenario, the Atacama Re-Commerce project comes, an initiative that seeks to transform the waste of the fashion industry into a sustainable opportunity. Developed by VTEx in partnership with Fashion Revolution Brazil and the nonprofit organization Desierto dress, the project offers major brands free of charge through an online platform. Consumers pay only the freight value, thus contributing to the removal of these desert parts.
The process involves careful selection and restoration of clothes. An expert team curates the items, ensuring that they are in good condition to reuse. The pieces are sanitized, organized and made available on the digital platform, allowing consumers from around the world to have access to quality products at no cost, in addition to freight. This initiative not only reduces the environmental impact caused by improper disposal of clothing, but also promotes awareness of current production and consumption models in the fashion industry. By encouraging circular economy, Atacama Re-Commerce highlights the importance of rethinking our consumer practices and valuing sustainable alternatives that preserve natural resources and minimize damage to the environment. In a world where fast fashion dominates and unbridled discard is the norm, projects like Atacama Re-Commerce emerge as hope and showing that it is possible to combine style, and environmental responsibility.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the young Pan.
