The end of the road for fast fashion? The EU hopes so

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🗞️ Driving the news: The European Union is actively working to transform the fashion industry, one of the world's greatest polluters
• Recommendations have been adopted, including policies to make clothes tougher, repairable, and recyclable, as well as regulations to promote sustainability throughout the supply chain

🔭 The context: Fast fashion continues to thrive, with companies like Shein adding thousands of new pieces daily
• However, the EU is hopeful that the damaging model of consuming clothing could soon be a thing of the past
• This is in response to industry practices that have led to numerous environmental and social issues.

🌎 Why does it matter for the planet: The fashion industry, accountable for 20% of the planet's wastewater and 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, poses significant environmental threats 
• Regions such as the Atacama Desert and various African nations suffer most, grappling with crises stemming from textile waste.

⏭️ What's next: The EU's proposals include Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which will make retailers financially responsible for all end-of-life stages of clothing
• Though some critics argue the current proposals may not be enough, it's a step in the right direction to make the fashion industry more sustainable

💬 One quote: "Sadly legislation alone doesn't fix the fast fashion problem. Regulation is the starting point for change but so long as there is consumer demand companies will find ways around regulation or find ways to water it down" (Cally Russell, CEO and Co-Founder of Unfolded)

📈 One stat: Chile leads South America in second-hand clothing imports, with 741 acres of abandoned clothing in the Atacama Desert, an area the size of Central Park
• Simultaneously, Ghana, the world's top importer of used garments, receives 15 million pieces weekly

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