The Global World Cleanup Movement, with its Latvian representatives from the association ‘Pēdas LV’ and the ‘Liela Talka’ initiative will focus on textile waste and reuse for this year's World Cleanup Day on September 20.
According to World Cleanup data, the world generates approximately 92 million tons of textile waste annually. If this trend continues, that number is expected to jump to 134 million tons by 2030.
To combat excessive textile consumption and waste, discussions and masterclasses are being held to promote textile reuse, particularly within the fashion industry and for everyday use.
Starting in 2025, textile sorting will become a mandatory requirement at the EU level. Latvia began placing its first textile waste containers in 2019. Jānis Aizbalts, Chairman, Board of SIA ‘Eco Baltia vide,’ noted, ‘currently, only about a quarter of the population in Latvia sorts textiles.’ This means majority of people either keep unnecessary clothes in their closets or throw them in the trash. The organization aims to encourage everyone to start sorting their wardrobe and give excess clothing a second life. This is a chance to change their attitude towards their belongings, and every item that's responsibly sorted and placed in special containers is a step toward a cleaner environment and more mindful use of resources.
In addition to sorting textile waste, participants are encouraged to walk along local shorelines during the World Cleanup to collect any trash left behind. People can also plant their own ‘Tree of Happiness.’
