Clothing waste is a significant problem in the US and around the world. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2018, about 17 million tons of textile waste was generated in the United States, with about 11.3 million tons ending up in landfills.
There are several reasons for the high amount of clothing waste. One is the fast fashion industry, where clothing is produced quickly and inexpensively, leading to a culture of disposable fashion. Another reason is that people often buy more clothes than they need or wear them only a few times before discarding them.
The problem with clothing waste in landfills is that clothing can take hundreds of years to decompose, and during this time, it can release greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. Additionally, textile waste in landfills can contaminate soil and groundwater, and create environmental hazards.
To address this issue, individuals can donate or recycle their clothing, and retailers can implement sustainable practices such as using recycled materials and reducing waste in production. There are also organizations and initiatives dedicated to reducing clothing waste, such as clothing swaps, second-hand stores, and clothing rental services.