How many of us feel exhilarated when we donate our second-hand clothing? Do you feel the urge to supress a smug look of superiority because of the saintly deed you did? If you're like me, you may feel like you're a cut above the rest of the stingy scrooges who hoard mountains of clothing that they know they'll never wear again. Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet. This week, I learned something that stopped me from hopping on my high horse. In my "Textiles & Apparel in the World Marketplace" class, we discussed how our good intentions could be contributing to unemployment in other countries.
Used clothing is a booming business in developing countries because the citizens are often unemployed and cannot afford new clothing. So, many thrift stores sell our donations for profit to these struggling nations for $1-$2. Since the already struggling textile and apparel workers in these countries cannot compete with those prices, they often lose their only source of income and join the ranks of the other unemployed citizens. I don't know about you, but I no longer feel like the cat's pajamas after learning that lesson. How about you? Feeling bad? Don't despair! Join me and give your used clothes to neighbors or your local community instead. You'll be back on that horse before you know it!
Courtesy: New Internationalist
Courtesy: Clothing Bin Cult
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