Social entities warn of the collapse of the used clothing collection system in the Balearic Islands

PalmaThe entities in the Balearic Islands dedicated to the collection, classification, and reuse of used clothing warn of an unprecedented collapse situation. The constant increase in the volume of textiles collected, the low quality of the garments, and the application of new municipal collection obligations are putting the viability of these social initiatives and the jobs linked to the labor insertion of people in situations of social exclusion at risk. Faced with this scenario, the Network of Alternative and Solidarity Economy REAS Balears has launched a campaign of denunciation and awareness under the slogan 'The clothes containers have a social impact. Using them well adds a lot', with the aim of seeking the complicity of citizens and raising awareness. "Social entities are assuming increasing costs derived from a consumption model that encourages compulsive buying and low-quality garments. If there is no coordinated response between administrations, entities, and citizens, the situation will be unsustainable," states Maria Jaume, president of REAS Balears. "We are developing a dual function, environmental and social. We prevent tons of textiles from ending up as waste, but we also generate socio-labor insertion pathways for people in situations of social exclusion," she adds.

More clothes than ever and of worse quality

Every year, more than 100 billion items of clothing are sold worldwide, and production has doubled between 2000 and 2025, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Furthermore, the European Environment Agency expects textile consumption to increase by 63% by 2030. This increase has been accompanied by a drop in quality and a reduction in the lifespan of garments. This directly impacts the social entities that manage textile collection. They receive more and more clothing, approximately 3,500 tons, according to collection and reuse entities, but a growing portion cannot be reused or recycled in good condition, turning what was once a resource into a cost. Furthermore, the saturation of international second-hand markets and the fall in prices make it even more difficult to sell these items, while the costs of collection, transport, and treatment continue to rise. The textile reuse sector generates about 40 jobs in the Balearic Islands for people in situations of social exclusion. These people are responsible for tasks such as collection, bag opening, clothing classification, and preparation for reuse. The campaign promoted by REAS Balears seeks the complicity of citizens when using clothing containers, but also when relating to clothing. Thus, reused clothing is valued, as it not only saves water and emissions, but also translates into job opportunities for people in situations of social exclusion.