The world is facing a serious waste crisis, and this year’s International Zero Waste Day, observed on March 30, puts a special spotlight on the fashion and textile industry. Under the slogan “Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles,” global leaders, organizations, and activists are coming together to raise awareness about the urgent need to reduce waste and shift toward sustainable practices in this sector.
Households, small businesses, and public service providers around the world generate between 2.1 and 2.3 billion tonnes of solid municipal waste annually, while as many as 2.7 billion people lack access to adequate waste collection.
The textile industry is one of the leading sources of environmental pollution — every second, a truckload of clothing ends up in landfills or incinerators. Fast fashion exacerbates this issue, as clothing production is growing faster than sustainable approaches can offset its impact.
Key Measures to Tackle Waste
Experts emphasize that a zero-waste approach is a key solution for a more sustainable future. Consumers can help reduce waste through reuse, repair, and recycling of clothing, while the fashion industry should shift toward longer-lasting, recyclable, and environmentally friendly materials.
The private sector bears responsibility for designing products with longer lifespans, while governments around the world are working to implement policies such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), regulate harmful chemicals, and strengthen recycling infrastructure.
The UN General Assembly declared March 30 as International Zero Waste Day through a resolution adopted in 2022, further highlighting the importance of waste reduction for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Through raising awareness and engaging civil society, the private sector, and government institutions, this day fosters global dialogue and concrete action in the fight against waste, aiming to preserve the planet for future generations.
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