#WISDOMWEDNESDAY WITH LOOP - FEBRUARY '25

Image: The OR Foundation, @theorispresent

Image: The OR Foundation, @theorispresent

Last year, I called out the well-intentioned but ultimately flawed idea of swap parties and donations. Spoiler alert: they’re not the solution. Only 8% of donated clothing is reused locally, while 57% ends up in landfills and 25% is incinerated. Let’s put that into perspective:

• Every 16 seconds, we throw away clothing equivalent to the height of the Eiffel Tower.
• Every seven minutes, we discard a pile as tall as Mount Everest.
• In less than eight months, our discarded clothing could reach the moon.

Image: The OR Foundation, @theorispresent

The Kantamanto fire is a wake-up call. Donating, swapping, or recycling won’t fix this mess. As Vivienne Westwood put it: “Buy less, choose well, and make it last.” So, how do we actually do that? Glad you asked.

Here's Your Action Plan

• Buy Less, Choose Wisely: Break the cycle of overconsumption. Resist impulse buys and “retail therapy” (yes, even when it’s on sale). Remember, quality over quantity: invest in timeless, high-quality pieces. If it falls apart after three washes, it’s not a bargain - it’s a scam.
• Shop Secondhand: Thrift stores and online resale platforms are treasure troves of unique finds. Plus, you’re saving clothes from landfills. Win-win.
• Mend and Repair: Don’t toss clothing at the first sign of wear. Learn basic sewing skills - it’s like CPR for your wardrobe.
• Donate Thoughtfully: If you’re donating, make sure it’s going to organizations that genuinely need it, not just to landfills abroad. Donate to the fire relief efforts for the Kantamanto Market - Donorbox: kantamanto.theor.org

Image: The OR Foundation, @theorispresent