How 7.5 Million Pounds Of Donated Clothes End Up At A Market In Ghana Every Week | World Wide Waste

[@tessathomas554]

What to do with old clothes 1. Rag clothes for cleaning and wiping 2. Stuffing for diy pillows 3. Stuffing for toys 4. Cut into thick strips and braid to make carpets 5. Warm rags for pets 6. Diy kitchen mittens

[@blueonblack83]

Rag clothes for cleaning and wiping -> That's what my mom does as well

[@agathachris9722]

Quilts

[@mohdhafiz9955]

Tell that to the west

[@kaliyuga2758]

Great idea, but tell that to the 18-year-old girl that walked out of H&M with seven garments, some of which she’s already decided to just throw away after a season.

[@mohdhafiz9955]

@@kaliyuga2758 people with a lot of money/ credit will never understand people that unfortunate

[@hidum5779]

My mom has made doormats out of her used sarees. It is hard work and takes quite a skill, and one piece can take a couple of weeks to be made. But the doormats made out of it are quite intricate and durable as well.

[@deleqtronica8733]

Your mom is also saving it from travelling the world only to end up as garbage on an African beach, I commend her for taking the effort to do so.

[@retineshilares2497]

It's important to pass that knowledge and organise with other people to exchange ideas on how it could be made. Community learning to adress issues of fabric upcycling will help everyone access a better quality of work and of life. Big thanks to your mom for her ecological commitment!

[@anotidaisheneilmisi904]

In my country we call this a "bhero" and these are the only clothes that some people can afford, I found Vera Wang for 50 cents

[@HDUnfatalLife]

That's awesome. I also shop second hand and constantly find clothes that new would of been alot more than what I paid for them.

[@anotidaisheneilmisi904]

@@HDUnfatalLife it's crazy what you find in second hand

[@WiseOnion]

bhero wang

[@faizahlubaba1645]

I found a Gucci bag from 1980 for 50 cents too!

[@jenniferlorence185]

@@faizahlubaba1645 Wow, incredible!!! And I bet in the RICH PEOPLE's WORLD they Would make people bet in an Auction for THAT CLASSIC.

[@takishaedwards273]

This makes me so angry and hopeless. We are taught here in the West to donate in order to help reduce waste. But these companies and so-called charities do not care!!! They convince us to do something that is helpful but end up creating more waste and environmental damage. It constantly feels like we are lied to and there's no hope to actually help the Earth. Wear consumers definitely have to be better, but these organizations have to be held accountable as well. I'm glad these activists are out here doing the real work! And shout out to the Ghanaians that are doing what they can to survive!

[@mysteriousgirl935]

they want you to donate the “good stuff” that could be valuable to them (resell/keep) they could care less about reducing waste and helping the planet the way the world works and how these “ higher up elites” do business is so depressing 🥺 anything for a profit even if that means stepping on us to get it.

[@Ramdapanda]

Second hand is great and they say so several times in the video. The problem is that people constantly buy new clothes and therefore clothes are produced in insane quantities. With that said, something being a charity doesn't guarantee that they're doing much good.

[@latonyanewsome0]

Right you have some companies who will even burn their clothes (creating waste), which could help the poor all because they don't want so called "peasants" to wear their clothes.

[@wayneadams7829]

The Hillary 2016 stuff has to go somewhere

[@RosesAndIvy]

It’s honestly not the charities fault. They get way too many donations that they just have piles of clothes lying around that nobody wants, so they kind of have to resort to selling them overseas or trashing them. It because consumers buy way to much new fashion which they then donate

[@kaliyuga2758]

This is heartbreaking on so many levels. It is all so unnecessary. What they didn’t mention is that people from Ghana used to make their own clothes and now they can’t afford the traditional clothes made in Ghana.

[@ethelbanfuladdae9250]

Traditional clothes are more expensive than second hand clothes 😞

[@bogdan1213]

@@ethelbanfuladdae9250 traditional clothes as in banana leaves?

[@awurahabena5439]

@@bogdan1213 are you genuinely ignorant about it or you are trying to ridicule ??

[@efyafrimpomaa]

@@bogdan1213 are you being sarcastic?

[@danielthecake8617]

Racist.

[@rianamomo6597]

And then there goes influencers proudly promoting overconsumption with their SHEIN hauls that would never be worn or just once for a 15 seconds TikTok video. SMH

[@nisagitty196]

Exactly!!!

[@blairvillanueva]

I love fashion, and it pains me to see those clothes all thrown away because of their poor quality. Fast fashion is a huge problem. If people buy good quality clothing and donated it, then the life for these clothing will be extended. I shop from many op shops here in Australia, and I am disappointed to see fast fashion brands (oftentimes in poor quality of fabric) being donated. No wonder the charity shops will sell it overseas and go to Ghana once it wasn't sold in Australia. Nowadays, I rarely send clothes for donations because of this awareness. I upcycle old clothes and create a new one that suits my style. It feeds my creative side and somehow helps to minimize waste from our home.

[@chimmyjr6983]

Me too

[@tyc1Z.Z1]

Fast fashion doesn't favour natural fabric & that's the biggest problem. That change can happen if people opt for wearing mostly natural fabric

[@deleqtronica8733]

It doesn’t matter if you’re buying good or bad quality clothes if you’re shopping on a regular basis, you’re contributing to the problem either way. People need to stop being sheeps and buying new clothes every couple of weeks because they saw their favorite TikToker wear it

[@blairvillanueva]

@@ohmoflife1 I totally agree with you!

[@_H.A.N.N.A_]

It’s not only clothing we donate but also the big company’s who can not sell their collections so it’s not only the consumer who is at fault but also the big companys

[@markcutie9959]

Here in the Philippines, we call these as “RELIEF” when I told my classmate that this was supposed to be aid they were shocked how com these clothes are being sell. I just answered. MONEY that's it.

[@amazingabby25]

Ukayukay

[@precysanjose6707]

ngayon tawag dyan ukay ukay

[@retineshilares2497]

In case you have time and possibility to answer, it would really be appreciated. I wondered what happened in Philippines with these ''relieves''. Do you have seamstress that can use these garments for their workshops. Are these clothes suitable for you to wear of they are not the right size, too hot or too cold, not breathable, etc. I'm sure there is a lot of usages you can creatively find to upcycle those garments, and that your fields can than be used to grow other crops, but I hope you still got a voice in those decisions.

[@haya6051]

I believe part of the problem is also allowing low quality items with stains and holes through the quality check into those countries but it is cheaper for the owner of the company to fill 20% of the bales with these poor quality items and send them out because no one will hold him accountable but hey what do I know

[@jenniferlorence185]

Yes, indeed.

[@etherean369]

Yeah true. These clothes really help a lot of people. They just need to stop sending in torn, or poor quality clothes.

[@samanthab1923]

It’s amazing how lazy people are. I used to volunteer at our church thrift & a lot of stuff should have gone right in the garbage. Ripped, stained, musty smelling & moldy.

[@retineshilares2497]

For people that don't know how to work with fabric, a cheap weave equals a cheap garment and a stain or a hole equals gabage. When you work with textile and clothing, you might keep a collar and sleeve and pair it with a flowy fabric to make a dress. The discarded fabric you cut with your cissors can be turned into a small decorative item and you might keep a square of it to reproduce the shade with a dye. It's extensive work to make a small amount of money. You might need support for your family. But it's still work and money.

[@andreakoutnakova6452]

I agree with all comments that says that one option is to buy less clothes of better quality. I would also like to add that would help a lot if people start to do basic sewing stuff like before. Back in time was common to sew a hole, apply a patch on torn knee on childrens pants and so on. Now one damage and people dispose it.

[@kaliyuga2758]

No one knows how to sew anymore. I work as a seamstress doing sewing and alterations for people. I once had a woman come in, middle-aged, embarrassed to say she did not know how to sew on a button. She watched in amazement as I showed her how this magic was done. We don’t know how to DO anything anymore.

[@moogleydoot]

always found it weird how many people go to the tailors for such an easy fix.

[@monmixer69]

And if you buy. Buy used.

[@laurent3415]

Thank you for this comment. You are absolutely right about how few people know how to do basic repairs.

[@junaidinomani6821]

Thanks for sharing your lovely thoughts this is how the most mature people think

[@TheSakzzz]

The recycling industry in developed countries is a sham. Developing countries are already struggling with pollution and dumping trash onto them just makes the situation worse.

[@prajullas]

Now that is a very sensible opinion.

[@meluk6991]

They export their trash = recycling program.

[@cyriljacob4839]

@@prajullas 😃

[@MustardGamings]

Developing countries?? U mean third world country's mate?

[@meluk6991]

@@MustardGamings all countries, my friend were at some point in their struggle to develop was a "third world country." At some point, each one of us were an elementary school kid. But to each their own.

[@n.a.8050]

Somebody told me, "Why do you keep on buying 2nd hand clothes?! You could be wearing a dead person's clothing!". Which could be right, but unless you buy my clothes for me, keep your opinion to yourself, because not all of us could buy new clothes. 🙄

[@sozbdulrhmanli3300]

😭 i'm wearing them right now

[@koryteller8]

I love finding great clothes in thrift shops. And who cares if the previous owner is now dead, unless they died in it. And still

[@junaidinomani6821]

@@sozbdulrhmanli3300 just say Alhamdulillah at least you have them

[@beanbun2312]

@Koryteller yessssss it's like treasure hunt 😍 I love thrift shops! don't care what people say, they can go away~

[@jocelynanonymousvlogs5418]

The deceased wasn't actually wearing any of the pieces you wear, they were buried in the clothes chosen for them not what was discarded, so screw those who pass judgements 😊

[@Yashuop]

Your consistency and quality of content never disappoints!

[@jesse1697]

Who asked?

[@chetanjanjal9994]

Stop spamming it bro!!

[@pineapplesauce7499]

500k+ ""subscribers"" and you only get an average of 700 views on your crappy videos that you likely paid for too 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@bluechoppa4351]

Reported

[@africanwalkvideos]

Its amazing how I walk in this market all the time and this channel made it soo unique that I feel like I've never been here before.

[@244hayrick]

I used to despise the trade on selling used clothes but seeing the huge problem on garment waste I see how important it is. I thank you that there are people who re-use them. Now what I despise are the companies that contribute to fast fashion.

[@g0tsp33d]

honestly sick of these poor black countries ruining the world

[@joshs3775]

Lol what did you despise about selling used clothes? You don't have to buy them

[@msshieka943]

This is so frustrating to me! I try to buy clothes that are good quality or made of natural fabrics, but the crap out now is so cheap, I have to rebuy every year! I’m also tired of clothes that make my skin feel like it can’t breathe! I don’t think people realize that much of these new fabrics are just different types of plastic, contributing even more to global warming! We are doomed!

[@Crabman_87]

Where are you shopping?

[@paulnovak833]

You can't find cotton clothes?

[@jenniferlorence185]

I think You are Right, I remember when we bought T-Shirts and they lasted a long Time, but now an All American T-Shirt that is as American as the Jeans, well, they don't last long Anymore, the quality is Just Not there.

[@TheTrueNorth11]

@@paulnovak833 Good luck finding anything that’s 100% cotton besides plain tshirts.

[@shoobiefu]

Stop buying cheap shit then. The problem is consumers want high quality at a cheap price. You cannot get that anywhere.

[@GrImReaPeR12361]

As a Ghanaian I can say this is only what some people can people afford but there are sometimes good clothing

[@retineshilares2497]

I'm happy you can access some good clothing with all your collective work. I'm looking to work so we can all have access to better working practices, workwear and shoes. If you have time and possibility, I would like to know what kind of clothing people in Ghana favor or would like to get. Maybe we can organise a shipping. I'm near Montreal, in Canada.

[@daphne8406]

A big part of the problem is the lower quality of clothing that are produced by the “fast fashion” brands. Before, you could sell/buy good clothes on the second hand market that had value but nowadays….not so much. The quality is sometimes so bad (looking at you wish 😝) that it isn’t worth selling for any second hand clothes shop/dealer 🤷‍♀️ Bad quality clothes don’t last long when new and when they are donated they are already mostly trash (shape has become all weird, the thin fabric tears easily etc) and thus not worth re-selling and they cannot be fixed either 🤷‍♀️ We should buy less and if we buy we should buy good sturdy quality clothing that when we don’t want/fit it anymore it is actually still valuable to someone else ☺️

[@johnyseimah229]

i buy new clothes like once every 3-4 years,i dont care about that fashion bullshit

[@xin0]

Problem is, they dump rubbish clothes to Africa! A lot of people don't know what sharing is. Many think, by just giving up an item is a good thing, or considered sharing. How can you share your expired milk and you think it is a good thing you did. Who would drink the expired milk??? It is exactly the same sh* these nations are doing to Africa. They pretend they are giving charity or sharing their clothes to Africa, but actually they are just getting rid of trash/rubbish/garbage they don't need, and they call it sharing or dijbg good.

[@tyc1Z.Z1]

If people opt to wear mostly natural fabric or choose to donate natural fabric clothes then maybe the problem would not be so catastrophic for the environment.

[@samanthab1923]

But I’ve noticed even good brands I’ve bought years back are not the same quality. Ralph Lauren sheets lasted 10 years. LL Bean flannels are not as good today. I love that my son still has quality cotton shirts from 10 years ago.

[@VX-cy4du]

Sometimes people would prefer the cheaper quality because it's cheaper. Not everybody wants high quality clothes

[@AnimeShinigami13]

And THIS is why I stopped donating clothes to goodwill and donate to my local community center instead whenever they have an opening, why I'm careful not to pass off damaged clothes to charity, and why I started salvaging sewing cloth from my old stuff. I live in western MA, and every spring people's discarded clothes end up coming out of the ice along with the dog shit and liquer bottles of that winter. At both laundrymats I use I'll also hang clothing I don't want up for others to take, along with the occasional non perishable food item or snack. I also clean and give away my extra gardening supplies, seedling pots, leafy greens seeds that I raised at the local community garden, ect.

[@minku2008]

I will never again spend money on clothes more than I have needed,seeing this just gives me chill..

[@retineshilares2497]

There are some artists, artisans and farmers in Ghana selling fair trade products, artworks and produces, you might want to support them. With more money, they will be able to invest in tools and factoreries they need to upcycle those garments.

[@user-tp6ze6bk8o]

There also needs to be some sort of regulation/cap on the amount of clothes that gets shipped to these countries. It appears that companies such as Bank and Vogue know exactly what they are doing when they transport unusable items to Ghana. Claiming that it slipped through the 'quality check' net. Which sounds to me they dont want to put in the hard work of discarding the clothes themselves but rather ship it into another country to deal with their waste!

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Donors should do their own quality check before donating. No synthetic fibers or anything that isn’t in perfect condition should be donated.

[@joedennehy386]

These countries and end users are buying them. They are not being shipped to countries that don't want them

[@lovewins4681]

Very cruel of them to do that

[@retineshilares2497]

@@kimberlyperrotis8962 Some synthetic materials have some sun protection factor quality and can be altered to make them wearable in hot climate. Perfect condition isn't an issue as the market is massive. It's the pollution related to those clothes that makes them end up in a dumping zone.

[@binarlestari2497]

I think if all clothing production stops now, there's still a lot of garments enough for all people all around the world

[@maryamamohamed7407]

Agree 100% the more production of clothes the more is going to end up in landfill which is very bad for the invironment

[@shannongodbey7420]

That would be great... And make sewing class mandatory

[@retineshilares2497]

Some seamstress could also open a reparation workshop and make a living. We could grow crops out of the fields instead. Or just let the trees grow back their for lumbering and to host wild animals.

[@mastervz4806]

We need to require the fast fashion brands to recycle clothes. They need to have a drop off area for old clothes. Develop an efficient and sustainable way to recycle or remove all this clothes safetly. Or else it’s all going to the ocean.

[@VMR8648]

There's a video about this. It is not possible to recycle plastic clothes, only pure cotton, or natural material. And most of the clothes now are made from petroleum plastics. So...🤷

[@UrAshWhole]

Drop off area for old clothes? Goodwill....

[@mastervz4806]

@@VMR8648once you create laws that require companies to dispose of their old clothes. They’ll be forced to find new ways of doing things or be fined. Which probably means making clothes out of sustainable materials.. If companies don’t have a financial penalty, they’ll keep pumping out trash to make money.

[@mastervz4806]

@@UrAshWhole you’re joking right? We’re talking about disposing clothes. Not donating them so someone else can throw it in the ocean.

[@UrAshWhole]

@@mastervz4806 same shit

[@021mr5]

All my clothes are hand me downs, I have relatives in the US who send me their old clothes which are still good. All the old clothes that I couldn't wear anymore become shop rags. The only thing I buy is underwear and socks. The last time I bought a pair of pants was 10 years ago. 🤣

[@retineshilares2497]

That's cool to know people around with different stores and different brands. It helps to know which are quality items or not. There are organic fair trade underwear availible but there is still a need for more ecological socks. As a vegan, I don't support animal wool ones and look for natural sustainable materials. Otherwise I wear sandals ;) As I'm in Canada, the fashion scene is very much influenced by the ones in USA, and I hope to learn more about your styles. There was a lot of creativity involved. I upcycle my garments too. :)

[@y0kozuna]

I still wear my clothes from the 90s, its weird that people say their clothes doesnt last long, it is very hard to ruin a shirt

[@yada769]

It is just crazy what we discard pay $50 bucks and trash it 6 months later just because fashion dictates. I have had a pair of boots resoled for $10 each time rather then spent $160 for new. We are a crazy species.

[@BobbyDazzler888]

Yes we are. Single use plastics

[@MomMom4Cubs]

Any article of clothing I've spent $50 or more for are things I still wear.

[@OriginalGamerPrestar]

We are brain washed to consume

[@CPays]

@@MomMom4Cubs that’s what I’m saying I’ve never chucked anything because fashion changed think it’s more targeted to teenage girls

[@hidum5779]

welcome to capitalism

[@godwinosei8377]

There's a ban on used clothes here in Ghana but I guess there'd always be cracks in the system or laws not probably been well enforced, from time to time I do petronize these sellers because I get quality brands unlike some local store brands except I want to pay 10x more for same quality at the malls, anyway it's all about circumstances. Good job Business Insider, love from Ghana🇬🇭

[@retineshilares2497]

If you have time and access to answer me, I wonder if this is a governemental mesure? What are your favorite brands?

[@khlorised4113]

In the Philippines, we also have something similar called 'ukay-ukay', but its usually a smaller operation compared to this and its only open 1-2 days per week in markets. Everything is in good quality and some are even branded, which is why it's usually crowded when it's open.

[@DKtrek21]

Made in UK, ukay ukay

[@MYDOESofficial]

From Nigeria and currently lives in the Philippines ukay ukay can also be from korea, Hong Kong or UK

[@WasntYourFaultYouHaveToLetMeGo]

The difference is that the clothes here aren't from trash and it's usually from overrun shops that couldn't sell the clothes anymore. The clothes in Ghana are just essentially thrown out by people in the guise of "donations".

[@takayanagi-senseissurprise2104]

@@DKtrek21 Okay

[@thebookreader287]

@@WasntYourFaultYouHaveToLetMeGo it depends which ukay you are going to. Some sell overruns and the occasional thrift gems but there are a lot of ukays that have really bad stocks just like in the video.

[@sgtdanny69148]

I’m a dispatcher in a warehouse for one of those fast fashion brands and man I am absolutely amazed by the same people who continuously order each day, hundreds of dollars each time like are you wearing the clothes only once? and not to mention the amount of extra materials and resources used to repackage the garments to make the order look more ‘premium’ and a lot of the time these people do what’s called bracketing and order the same garment but in 3 different sizes, keep the one that fits and return the other 2, sometimes they return damaged and cannot be sold as new and guess where that ends up? I mean in all honesty I can’t really complain cause it was a job in high demand especially during the lockdown, everyone literally everyone was just buying online.

[@retineshilares2497]

It's sad people don't inform themselves better before to shop.

[@mojapinessishere]

Thank you for sharing this. I’ve consumed clothes very minimum for a decade as much as I can. And reuse them as a rag or something once it’s worn out. But some of them are going to Goodwill and *hoping someone will buy it,* Instead of shipping to these places like this… This video was my wake up call to reshape my mindset better! Ill talk about this on my channel and spread the words to the more people!!!

[@msKita43]

Goodwill does ship its excess to countries like this, they're the major contributor

[@andreakoutnakova6452]

You already do good with reducing, because that is most important part. And I also dont think that is bad thing to donate stuff to charity. If you have no one that would fit/want it, donating it is better that directly disposing it. If its good quality, it may sell good, in your country or overseas, so people in need still could make profit.

[@mojapinessishere]

@@andreakoutnakova6452 Thank you for saying that, @Andrea! It means a lot. :)

[@retineshilares2497]

@@mojapinessishere What is your channel?

[@humeeayisha3199]

as a Ghanaian and smeone who sold these cloths i totally relate. i remember times i had to pray hoping to get a better bail. sometimes its just waste and other times i make more money all depending on what is in the bail.

[@janina4422]

It’s crazy that they actually charge anyone for purchasing these “bales” when they got the clothes for free and already make a profit off of the clothes they are selling in the USA. They should pay for the people of Ghana at these clothing markets for cleaning up the mess the USA has dumped on them. Incredible to see people steaming, sewing and dying this clothing to turn it into something useful. All the profit should go to the people of Ghana and other countries where these companies discard their excess. And these companies make billions - including Goodwill so they can definitely afford to pay their share and contribute extra to clean up the environmental damage. Great to see some hope with the organization at the end of the video

[@retineshilares2497]

If you have time and possibility to answer, what would you say were the best clothes for you to resell. What would you like to have access to more frequently and what wouldn't you want to find in the bails?

[@gilbertjeffery2696]

I’m from Ghana, this is the easiest way to get original brands

[@janetbawuah2172]

Not the point of the video but ok

[@retineshilares2497]

Are there brands that you like? People in Ghana seems taller than in USA or elsewhere in the world. What are your prefered ones?

[@gilbertjeffery2696]

@@retineshilares2497 brands like Ralph Lauren polo, Hermes, LV, Gucci etc Size isn’t really a problem we alter to our desired size if it’s oversized

[@alimasud4453]

I have stock mens ladies girls boys kids item available I'm from Dubai

[@OluseniIsaacs]

Original brands you mean European and western brands. Your mindset keeps you undeveloped

[@HettesKvek]

I've been cycling through the same 15 shirts for the last five years, and they are still holding up. Truth is, the average person buys more clothes than they need.

[@theprofessorfate6184]

This is what Target , Walmart and similar stores have caused. Cheap clothing yields these results.

[@misterhat5823]

No. This is what a capitalist society has produced. If people didn't want this cheap **** Walmart or Target wouldn't be able to sell it. It's easy to get some upvotes with these comments, but it doesn't tell the whole story.

[@jakemartinez6894]

@@misterhat5823 And in a communist society what do you think would happen? They’d produce quality clothes for all…

[@misterhat5823]

@@jakemartinez6894 There's more than just capitalism and communism.

[@jakemartinez6894]

@@misterhat5823 Which one did you have in mind.

[@suburbanearth9076]

@@misterhat5823 you could continue to trickle down. Blame it on capitalism, communism, etc… but you could also blame it on employers that don’t pay enough, therefore causing the need for things that are less expensive. Not everyone can go pay $20 for an organic cotton/hemp shirt. You could blame it on that employer being taxed so heavily, he/she can’t pay their employees a livable wage. What it boils down to is, these people do not have to continue to buy bales of cheap clothing, but they do. They don’t have to continuously fill up an already full land fill. They don’t have to throw it on the beaches. Honestly sounds quite insane that they’re never making money but continue to do it under the guise of “no choice”. Humanity always has choices, they just all aren’t easy. This is strictly an accountability problem across the board. Can’t imagine buying garbage and throwing it in my yard then blaming other people’s choices for it.

[@albear972]

That's a danged shame. I still have many of my clothes from 2000 when I was in my mid 20's and seriously, after hundreds of wears they still look very good for their age.

[@junaidinomani6821]

Are you serious they're that old and still wearable

[@albear972]

@@junaidinomani6821 I'm danged serious! about my nice-looking old clothes. Just this week I sadly had to retire a very nice polo shirt that was around since 1997.

[@junaidinomani6821]

@@albear972 wow amazing saves a lot of money but nowadays i don't think we can get such good clothes or anything so durable i mean companies were honest in those tyms they use to manufacture good quality products for customers but now we can't get such quality even in most premium brands

[@Jackjohnjay]

It makes me extremely sad that we are exporting our generic, cheap, shapeless clothes (t shirts, shorts, sweats) from America to other cultures who are then losing their beautiful traditional and native styles of dress. Don’t want to be like us in fashion, folks. Be proud of your heritage.

[@Paperkutchy]

Hum, what? Dude these people have NOTHING to wear, culture dressing is the least problem on their minds.

[@retineshilares2497]

@@Paperkutchy The reason local production isn't sustained is because of fast fashion dumping in their countries. Their culture isn't a problem, it's an identity.

[@retineshilares2497]

I wonder what can be done against those capitalist brands. We can boycott them, for sure. Educate the masses.

[@laurent3415]

Easy things consumers can do: 1-Save up your money and buy one higher quality piece instead of three low quality ones. 2-Learn how to properly care for your high-quality garment. Improper care will make it last no longer than a low-quality item. 3-Learn how to do basic repairs. Swap 30 minutes of time on TikTok or Facebook and watch a video here on KZbin to learn how. 4-Put your money where it matters. If producers cannot turn a profit on fast fashion, they will stop making it. It's really that simple. 5-Buy second hand when possible. 6-Learn to make your own clothes. You can even use second-hand materials to make garments such as altering thrifted items, using thrifted curtains and bedding, or even refashioning your own clothing. 7-Learn a craft that can use "waste" materials to create something useful (or fashionable). The possibilities are truly endless on this one.

[@retineshilares2497]

It's a very long process to learn how to do all these steps to have garments. You can find a seamstress in your region and offer her a proper salary too.

[@jaames]

I am still wearing some shirts more 18 years old from when I was still in high school. I like sleeping in them because the fabric has worn out so much the fabric feels extremely soft. They have a few holes, but I don't mind since I only wear them at home, and it's nobody's business what I wear at home. The newer shirts we buy today get torn after a year or two. Quality is a HUGE factor contributing to this waste problem. I feel that this video should have also tackled the worsening quality with today's products. Planned obsolescence is not only found in electrical appliances and electronic gadgets like mobile phones, but also in things like clothing.

[@johnjohnf.webber1820]

Ghana is a good place to invent a clothes recycling company that makes textiles from used clothes (or finished goods). I would suggest t-shirt 👕 and jeans 👖 and bed sheets or pillow cases. Socks and pet clothes might be good too...

[@slippy256]

for people who have the time, learning to sew and making whatever the heck you want within the cost limitations of your materials (much of which can be recycled material) is one way to not really have to buy fast fashion ever again.

[@retineshilares2497]

There is always the question we can ask ourselves when we know how to sew : does this cost less to buy than to make or than to repair something else I can use instead.

[@maika2727]

Here in the Philippines we called it "Ukay" short for "hukay" which mean "to dig" because sometimes stores just put clothes on a big table and people just dig to find clothes to buy. Very cheap you can even buy 10 shirts for just 2 dollars.

[@user-iy7kt4ef1i]

Nice to watch an INSIDER video asap after it got released.

[@HUNGRYCR4B]

this made me think twice to buy H&M again 🤔

[@freebodyevansacquah]

We call second hand clothes in Ghana "fose". And the thing that pushes this market is that fact that a shirt I could buy for 50 units of my currency, I can get it for about 5 units or less.

[@retineshilares2497]

If you have time to answer. Do you have advises on issues you face with foses in Ghana?

[@freebodyevansacquah]

@@retineshilares2497 I've never had any issues. Well my parents know where to get them. But I have friends who have said the colour of their "fose" clothes fade pretty quickly.

[@cindystoon8396]

You can make blankets furniture covering you can even shred to make pillows and beds out of the smaller piece

[@westlondon3556]

May God bless my homeland Ghana 🇬🇭.

[@retineshilares2497]

Ghaneans bless God with all of their hard work. He's the one that should be thankful ;)

[@Biganeworldwide]

We have the same problem here in Zimbabwe! We have a place called mupedza nhamo you don't always know what you will find inside the bale and you end up making a lose

[@ememambrose5472]

In Nigeria, these clothes are called 'okirika'. I don't know if ours comes from Ghana but these dresses are really cheap. Most are less than $1 but they're all some people can afford.

[@retineshilares2497]

If you have time and possibility to answer, can you tell us more about what the other people are wearing. The ones with less purchase possibility and the ones with more money?

[@TheBilayer]

One thing is for sure, people complaint they have no money and yet the buy clothes that they no need. They donate those clothes they no need to them and we think they are generous. But what you need to buy is want you need, not buy what the trend tell you what you need. Even is you cloth have hole you can patch it up. This can help the environment greatly and save you pocket money. The mindset so strange in this era.

[@blackcat-mp7kh]

fast fashion is luxury in developed countries and its suffer for poor nations yet they want to cap the waste produced by poor nations

[@anotherhuman999]

Here in the Philippines secondhand clothes commonly known as Ukay-Ukay is quite famous here too and they have big thrift stores here

[@josecarvajal6654]

The same thing happens in the Dominican Republic. Donated clothes are shipped to Haiti, they sell the bundles on the border where then they are distributed trough different cities where they are sold in similar markets to the one on the video.

[@M4TTYN]

interesting.

[@retineshilares2497]

Can you find clothing that is useful for your people? Some that is strong enough for working? You might look for synthetic fabric with dark dyes that can protect from sunrays as well as light breathable fabric to stay more confortable. Usually synthetic fabrics keeps us too hot but a seamstress can had some tears and mend them with mesh to make them more breathable. People around the world slowly learn how to respect each other conditions and to organise to end poverty, but there are a lot of exploitation everywhere still going on. Let's keep organising when we can and have our political representations join forces.

[@korbinm1]

Watching this video as my sister is giving me hand me downs that have circled between our kids over years. Lol still good as new.

[@NeighborofKT]

Braided ropes, patchwork quilts, rag rugs, bandages, cut down pieces to turn into children’s clothes, washable diapers and period pads, headbands, handbags and totes…these are all items that could be made from clothes that cannot be sold “as is.”

[@retineshilares2497]

There are fuctionnal items and fashionable ones. Upcycling is a long process. People might need essentials and other articles.

[@ShatteredRippleBooks]

This programme was an eye opener. I thought I was doing the right thing by donating to charity. But I see now it's not the answer. I don't donate much as I wear and repair my clothes until they fall apart and buy most from charity shops. But I will think about repurposing them in future instead of donating.

[@cici_julja]

my family has two tailors and we often turn unused clothes into pillow stuffing or rag clothes. we often store unused fabric to make diy stuffs. a lot of clients, even crazy rich, often come to us to take care of their new clothes because of how bad the quality is

[@joshs3775]

0:59 I'm sure they answer this but I assumed the material was recycled. I've worked at a major thrift chain and the amount of clothing donated is not believable. It was piled to the two story ceiling at Christmas time around the entire backroom and this was a large store

[@carlosdeleon8527]

This was common in Mexico too while growing up in the late 90s and early 00s. My family was one of the lucky ones to have visas so we would drive to Tucson Arizona to purchase furniture, clothes and lots of second hand items. We didn't buy everything alot of it was "trash" or would be donated to us by churches. We would go back home to Mexico and sell these items on the weekend at a flea market known as a "tianguis" I'm happy to say that this is far more uncommon now and people are now able to afford new items from stores such as "Walmart"

[@korbinm1]

I was thinking of the fast fashion in Tepito too. I bought 2 pairs of sweatpants there and said never again. Ripped in the crotch and was only worn once. I only liked the Brazilian jeans. I got some other nice stuff there though. My husband and I would go almost every other weekend. We would take clothes to chiapas also to sell in the markets.

[@retineshilares2497]

If you have the time and possibility to answer, I wonder if you think that tourists could help by bringing clothing items for their trip and give them to clothing stores or do you think there is enough clothing items already? What would be useful?

[@carlosdeleon8527]

@@retineshilares2497 It would be helpful but I don't think there's any stores that would take them. That doesn't mean someone doesn't need them, it's just they dont have a physical place or location where you can just drop them off. If you're familiar with the place you're traveling to you may know of some "tianguis" or "fayuca" place. If not I'd recommend using existing pipelines like churches. Who usually do that kind of things like donating to the needy. How nice of you to ask.

[@retineshilares2497]

@@carlosdeleon8527 I was in Cuba doing some ''community work'' as a teen and we helped to bring some material while we were there. Your testimony helped me get this idea. I'll discuss it at the local college in case they want to help secure this initiative. (I'm in Quebec, so Mexico ain't that far either.) Even as an atheist, I understand the value churches can have in social solidarity.

[@goodluck6394]

In the Philippines,we call it "Ukay-ukay" and some outsourced it as opportunity to get rich and have a business.

[@phillip_iv_planetking6354]

I think I just saw one of my old shirts LOL

[@TheAcer925]

Some people say Philippines also have this but it is different from what's happening in Ghana. Look at how they dispose unwanted clothing, we don't do that and we have not reach that scale of desperation relying to live on waste clothings.

[@OriginalGamerPrestar]

I remember growing up and going there as a kid and my mum buying me my first football boots .

[@DrawThatFox-rq5sx]

Fashion brands are so charitable they dont just donate clothes to people, but to all marine creatures as well.

[@HDUnfatalLife]

I already buy all my clothes from goodwill, not even cause I couldn't afford them new, but because you can't find them new anymore, I look for vintage stuff, also brands like Huf, active, obey, etc...I constantly find those brand shirts brand new with the original tags for around $3 a shirt and $5 for a hoodie or sweater...when originally it would of costed probably $40 for a shirt and upwards of $80-$100 for a hoodie or sweater. It's insane how many things people just throw out that are worth so much. And no I don't re sale it's just for my own closet.

[@HDUnfatalLife]

@@Fourtune1 exactly. It's a shame tbh. I swear you could easily make a living re saling stuff from goodwill.

[@retineshilares2497]

@@HDUnfatalLife You might look for stylists and costume designers online. Often they have period fictions to stage and need clothes for actors.

[@jrobbin24]

This should be a wake up call for many

[@donnafraenkel7852]

So much could be done with the fabric! I make children's toys with offcuts from the fashion industry, and as well as futon mattresses, the cloth could be cut and resewn into many other cloth related products such as cushions, woven bags etc

[@alinewright1093]

Make Aprons all styles out of used clothes, they very much back in style for kids, women and men. The best kids apron the neck tie was one strip that went thru side seams of bib to the side apron making it adjustable being loosen as the kid grew.

[@N_I_T_Y_A]

RESPECT Clothes...RESPECT Mother Earth🌏Nature🙏

[@KESTRAL23]

Daisy love mama

[@N_I_T_Y_A]

@@KESTRAL23 🙏🌏❤Blessings from Mother Earth and Mother Nature 👍

[@KESTRAL23]

@@N_I_T_Y_A god bless you

[@goatsandroses4258]

If the consumer did not demand fast, cheap fashion, producers would stop making it. Clothes weren't always like this. I remember when a person's business or "good" wardrobe was an investment. Classic styles in mostly-natural fibers used to last for years. I have a wool jacket of my grandmothers that I could still wear without most people being any the wiser. Now these cheap polyester and other synthetic things just don't last, and many are immodest to boot.

[@retineshilares2497]

Sadly animals got exploited to make these garments. They didn't benefit from their sale.

[@tarahill308]

Much respect to the work ethic 🔥

[@ingridmolina2173]

In Costa Rica this is called "ropa americana" it comes from USA, there is a lot of clothes of quality brands that looks new, probably were worn once or twice...

[@kuromigirly3]

fast fashion is def killing us in ways we dont even think about. as a plus size person if something i buy doesnt fit, i alter it (thank god i learned to sew). I implore more people SHOULD learn to sew, it has helped me a million times over- when i need to clean stuffed animals, sew up a small hole in my pants or shirt, use old material to make a blanket/ or new clothing item... even alter clothes in different ways- add pockets, take pockets off, add sleeves, add cuffs and more.

[@untermench3502]

It's not just Ghana. I observed people going through bales of clothing for resale in Pakistan.

[@chevon1920]

There was a time when I would literally go to Ross and buy a bunch of crap clothes and never wear then, then donate them. I’m happy I stopped doing that. I got a sewing machine and I’m trying to reuse whatever I can.

[@retineshilares2497]

Thanks for your testimony.

[@angelitapallarcon1749]

In my country, this is called "ukay-ukay".... From shirts to dress to shoes. You can found anything you want to find, even underwear.

[@shannsimms9072]

I would love to go shopping at a place like this. It feels interesting and alive and I'm sure you find alot of really neat graphic t shirts

[@8_oceanrain607]

Old clothes I don't want anymore: 1. Swap with my friends and family. 2. Donate or sell. I turn my old clothes and old towels into; 1. Rags 2. Quilts 3. Cotton rounds (reusable) 4. Rugs 5. Hair ties (from underwear elastics) 6. Coasters 7. A bean bag What I do from cloth scraps leftover; 1. Compost the scraps that are 100% natural fibre. 2. Send the rest to the nearest textile recycling facility. 3. Throw in trash (last resort)

[@dianecrispino8726]

Stop buying!!! I haven’t bought any new clothes for a few years. I never had to have the newest trend. There should be mandatory classes in schools about waste.

[@legendaryhafsahG]

As a small business owner who sells Thrift, it's not easy selling them you don't know what you're getting in this always increasing bales though they reduce waste the damaged ones can be upcycle to something else that'll help in the trash and environmental pollution

[@racheldaug9800]

This also happens in my country the Philippines.

[@user-rg1bc4mq1i]

Instead of throwing it away, they can make sewed tattered cleaning cloths and sell them. That's what Filipinos do and they sell them on the streets.

[@andej8785]

man said we are not at peace I felt that in my soul

[@jadaworthy9706]

Very hard working people who deserve more

[@evelynkerubo3707]

In Kenya we call them 'mtumba',while they are cheap , there's others that are really expensive we call them 'camera',the creme items of the bale once opened.I have come across some legit designer pieces too,which are exorbitantly costly yet pre loved.

[@retineshilares2497]

Designer pieces are exorbitant worldwide. Sadly that higher middle class in the global north are still uneducated on this topic and keep buying them. Good quality clothing is very difficult to find. Most of them are fantasy clothes that are not very functionnal to wear in our climates. Some fair trade workshops around Africa are doing a very great work at weaving functional and durable natural fabric. I hope they will expand and bring more sustainable wealth for your communities.

[@Smartsystem5958]

I love that someone is helping she needs all the help she needs 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@ingewidya4724]

So i use to sell scrunchies and i found out that you could either buy fabrics or use used clothing. Its okay if there’s holes in them bcs you can just cut around them. Second way is to make into pouches either drawstring or zippers. Those two is one of the ways im pretty sure theres more out there

[@retineshilares2497]

There is a saying that goes '' Necessity is the mother of invention.'' People gets really creative with old fabric. It's especially need with the current state of pollution.

[@RisingaLittle]

Would be nice if they made quilt squares from the unusable fabric/clothing. Could be sewn later into blankets, etc. They could sell them or use them.

[@mastermindslt1982]

This clothes in my country are called okirka, wearing one right now and in a lot of countries around the world, they're the only clothes most can afford.

[@retineshilares2497]

Thanks for your testimony. I hope your economy will be able to flourish so that you can have the functional clothes you need for your activities and the food and housing you need to be healthy and to achieve your goals and safety.

[@vincentbrk]

Buy natural fiber, use as rag, then as fire starter and then compost. Side-effects of Marie Kondo but in Japan many cities have 36 streams of recycling so the world wasn't ready for spark joy minimalism.

[@retineshilares2497]

In fact, japanese culture already developped on a scarcity context. Here we have an over abundance of low quality items that are very pricey and work extensive to dispose of. Minimalism is what poor countries had been doing for a very long time. It's nothing new.

[@beatifictaciturn]

Personal Goal - I will not buy new clothes till March 11, 2023. I will wear ALL my clothes out and appreciate them. It maybe an extreme goal but honestly I have way to much clothes and seeing the waste and pollution that fast fashion has created makes me so guilty for buying clothes that I honestly do not need. So yeah, this goal starts today and I will try it out for a whole year ^_^ I will learn to Love All of my cloths.

[@Famous5821]

I am about to do the same.....think I will try 6 months :-)

[@retineshilares2497]

If you have different seasons in your country, you can sort them that way. I usually use damage t-shirt as sleepwear. I also repair my clothes. Sometimes, guilt is very disempowering. We have to forgive ourselves to move toward international solidarity in th fashion world. You might find people that would need clothes to. When the youth grow up, they might like ome of your former purchases. Keep on setting yourself some goals and be brave :)

[@QueenQueenly]

It’s crazy how much new clothes people buy. 98% of everything I own is second hand thrift market stuff

[@BaDazai]

😲😲 I last went shopping for clothes 5 years ago. I have some clothing I've had for 10 years. It's not necessary to buy clothes every other week, I used to but now that in 31 I've become less obsessed by trends. I live in a landlocked country, it breaks my heart seeing them ruin their beaches this way, I love beaches and wish I could one day live beach side....

[@retineshilares2497]

With climate changes, the beaches might be transitionning to salt water marshes in some countries... With the ocean level progressive raising. Maybe if Ghana could increase the value of their beaches for sustainable tourism, it will help them raise money to access facilities to support garment workers.

[@theafricanway8005]

In Kenya it's called Mitumba and I would wish you visit Gikomba market in Kenya

[@Indi.a.B33ger.Viru.s.Nation]

Where clothes come from is not the issue.... The main issue is how people dispose them....

[@retineshilares2497]

Where the clothes come is also an issue. There is land fragmentation and heavy pollution associated with dyes. The washing is also a source of pollution. We should improve our habits to make them fair for workers and ecological.

[@avanpreetkaurgharu153]

Great information shared 👍👏

[@ShizuCatt]

I used to change daily wear clothing like yearly. Now I wear the same daily clothing for almost 4 tp 5 years now. Save money and less wasting.

[@MariaEspinal-pg4pn]

I have very little in my wardrobe, but when I shop I make sure is a good quality clothes. When is time to throw away, they are very used.

[@markus33able]

This is also common in the Philippines. Online live selling of preloved clothes is a hit aside from the traditional "ukay-ukay"

[@bflsceo5854]

They are donated but somehow this second hand clothes brings in millions for the us government. In Rwanda they banned the import of used clothes and they got sanctioned for it. The reason why is to have dignity and grow your own textiles industry. I grew up wearing these clothes but when u think about it and notice that even the boxes sold are second hand ✋ it's a bit problematic

[@akanksha8311]

it is giving me so much anxiety , although I and my family dont practice shopping for trends but I aware of fast fashion especially because of "hauls" and influencers

[@retineshilares2497]

Often, we are stressed in a way that is demobilising. You can take time to list the things that bring you anxiety. Maybe, you can also identify ways to reduce that anxiety. If you have a friend confident enough to speak in public, you can write a text s.he can share with others and be a good influence in the world.

[@pocholokhan7718]

Same here in the Philippines