Words by Abi Scaife
Textiles recycling has increased by 500% in the Finnish city of Lahti.
Tell me more.
The increase happened over a trial period of a few weeks, as part of a pilot textiles recycling scheme in Lahit.
The trial allowed people to trade textile waste for coffee vouchers or passes to a local swimming pool, and the response was incredible.
What happened?
Textile recycling increased to 350kg per week for each collection point, of which there were six. Before, the amount of textiles recycled was more like 70kg - meaning the remainder would originally have been sent to landfills.
All this is part of Lahti’s goal to become a zero-waste city by 2050.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Fashion Revolution. This is a charity campaigning passionately for a clean, safe, fair, transparent and accountable fashion industry. Learn more here.
Remake. This is a global non-profit advocacy organisation fighting for fair pay and climate justice in the clothing industry. Find out more here.
Global Fashion Agenda. This is a non-profit which is accelerating impact to create a net positive fashion industry. Support them here.
