FAST FASHION AND DISPOSAL: THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM IN GHANA

Abstract

Unbridled consumerism, as well as an industry that only seeks profit through constantly renewed fashion items, are some of the culprits for the climate emergency that is plaguing the planet. Permeated by the human desire to keep up with the latest news in the fashion world, the effect of these actions results in the accumulation of discarded objects even before the end of their useful life, simply because they are out of date with the current collection. Added to this, it is worth mentioning the maneuver of many companies to reproduce the season's fashion in cheaper versions, with the aim of reaching the consumption of these pieces by the poorest classes and, subsequently, their almost immediate disposal. In this context, pieces that are discarded or not sold must be disposed of. The global north sends this textile waste to several less developed nations, creating true global “landfills”. An example of a country receiving this waste is Ghana, which has faced several environmental problems resulting from the rampant disposal of developed countries, destroying nature and biodiversity. Having presented the problem, the research aims to demonstrate the current situation in Ghana due to the mountains of accumulated textile disposal, with specific objectives being the presentation of this reality, little demonstrated in the Brazilian media, exposing the concept of fast fashion and its environmental consequences; the need for awareness in consumption; and how the industry can collaborate to stop this type of action in line with the 2030 Agenda. To this end, the research was developed through bibliographic analysis, official data and journalistic information that brings the local reality of the object of study.