Problem  

The illegal burning and dumping of garments in Ghana, driven by massive imports of secondhand clothing, is severely polluting air, soil, and water, posing public health and climate challenges. Kantamanto Market, the largest second-hand clothing market in West Africa, handles over 40,000 tonnes of imported second-hand clothes annually, with approximately 12 million garments circulating weekly. However, 30%-40% of these are unsaleable waste, often ending up in landfills, beaches, or burned, causing environmental degradation. The majority of these imports come from Western countries, perpetuating a cycle of overconsumption and waste that disproportionately impacts local communities and ecosystems. This growing challenge underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to manage textile waste and address overproduction globally.  

Responses  

The Revival, a Ghana-based initiative, tackles textile waste by collecting unsaleable garments from Kantamanto Market and landfills and upcycling them into unique fashion items. Local artisans, fashion students, and the public collaborate to repurpose discarded clothes, creating new value and reducing pollution. 

By reportedly diverting over 1 million garments from landfills and oceans, The Revival has minimised air pollution from burning textile waste. The initiative also donates functional upcycled items, such as protective denim clothing for Ghanaian pineapple pickers, to further  its economic and social impact. International collaborations with institutions like the Victoria & Albert Museum and Central Saint Martins seeks to expand awareness and inspire change. Future goals include establishing an African upcycling hub, curbing overproduction through legislation, and diverting 20 million garments from waste streams. Ultimately the Revival seeks to exemplify a circular, community-centered textile ecosystem, combining environmental sustainability with economic empowerment.

Find out more: The Revival