Tag: Circular Economy

Ghana’s Second-Hand Clothing Industry: A Circular Economy Success Story Unfolding

/ activist360
Circular image of used segmented used clothing on left with the words Ghana's Second-Hand Clothing Trade Success Story on right
Ghana’s Second-Hand Clothing Trade Success Story. Credit: activist360

Jobs, Revenue, and the Environment: Unpacking Ghana’s Second-Hand Clothing Trade

The second-hand clothing (SHC) industry plays a vital role in Ghana’s economy, providing affordable clothing options and supporting millions of livelihoods. Beyond its economic benefits, this trade represents a sustainable approach to addressing global fashion waste. However, misconceptions about waste and quality often overshadow its positive impact. The Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association published a report earlier this year on the socio-economic and environmental impact of the second-hand clothes trade in Ghana. We take this week’s post as our opportunity dive into the contributions of the SHC trade in Ghana and highlight opportunities for sustainable growth.

The Socio-Economic Benefits of the SHC Trade

Employment Generator

The SHC trade is a significant source of employment in Ghana, directly and indirectly supporting around 2.5 million people. This includes roles such as importers, retailers, tailors, drivers, and waste pickers. These jobs are particularly important for youth and marginalized groups, providing stable income opportunities where few alternatives exist. For many families, this trade is their primary means of livelihood, demonstrating its profound impact on society.

Boosting Government Revenue

The SHC trade not only benefits individuals but also contributes significantly to Ghana’s economy. In 2022, the sector generated $29.5 million in government revenue through import taxes. This amount is noteworthy because it exceeds the funding allocated to major poverty alleviation programs such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) initiative. These revenues are vital for national development and help sustain critical social services.

Affordable Apparel

For most Ghanaians, SHC provides a lifeline to affordable clothing. Approximately 95% of the population relies on second-hand clothing to meet their fashion needs. These clothes are not just inexpensive but also durable, allowing families to allocate their limited resources to other essential expenses, such as education and healthcare. The widespread availability of SHC has made it an integral part of Ghana’s consumer culture.

Environmental Impact and Circular Economy

Promoting Sustainability

One of the greatest advantages of the SHC trade is its contribution to sustainability. By reusing and recycling clothing, the trade reduces the environmental footprint of fast fashion, which is known for generating significant waste and pollution. Each item of clothing that is reused extends its lifecycle, keeping it out of landfills and reducing the demand for new textile production.

Minimal Waste Levels

Contrary to misconceptions, the SHC trade in Ghana generates minimal waste. Research shows that only about 5% of imported second-hand clothing bales are unsellable. Traders often find creative ways to repurpose these items, ensuring that very little ends up as waste. This efficiency is a testament to the industry’s adaptability and its alignment with circular economy principles.

Waste Management Practices

The SHC trade has developed effective strategies to handle unsold items:

  • Discount sales: Items are sold at reduced prices to clear inventory.
  • Donations: Unsold clothes are donated to local charities and community groups.
  • Recycling initiatives: Textiles are repurposed into cleaning materials or industrial inputs, reducing waste and creating additional value.

Addressing Misconceptions

Dispelling the Dumping Myth

A prevalent misconception is that Ghana serves as a dumping ground for low-quality clothing from Western countries. However, evidence suggests otherwise: 95% of imported second-hand clothes are high-quality and suitable for resale. This challenges the narrative that SHC imports are predominantly waste and highlights the rigorous selection processes employed by traders.

Quality Assurance

Importers and retailers in Ghana go to great lengths to ensure the quality of second-hand clothing. They collaborate with trusted suppliers, conduct regular inspections, and adhere to strict industry standards. In fact, 80% of traders follow specific certifications to maintain quality. These efforts ensure that consumers receive valuable and durable clothing.

Challenges and Opportunities

Regulatory and Infrastructure Gaps

Despite its many benefits, the SHC trade faces challenges, particularly in waste management. Ghana lacks robust recycling systems and sustainable disposal infrastructure. Addressing these gaps could enhance the industry’s environmental impact and create new economic opportunities, such as jobs in recycling and upcycling sectors.

Innovations in Upcycling

Upcycling is a growing trend in Ghana, where entrepreneurs transform old or unsellable clothing into higher-value items such as bags, rugs, and accessories. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also creates new revenue streams for small businesses. Encouraging upcycling initiatives could significantly bolster the circular economy in Ghana.

Summing Up

The second-hand clothing trade in Ghana is a shining example of how economic development and sustainability can go hand in hand. By supporting millions of livelihoods, generating significant government revenue, and promoting environmentally friendly practices, the SHC industry addresses critical socio-economic and environmental challenges. Ghana’s transition to a circular economy is an example of how we can build a future where fashion benefits both people and the planet.

Source: Odonkor, S., Metropolitan Research and Education Bureau, & E-volution International. (2024). An evaluation of the socio-economic and environmental impact of the second-hand clothes trade in Ghana. Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association.

The Global Plastic Crisis: Corporate Accountability & Reduction Strategies

/ activist360


Photo of plastics near trees. Myanmar (Burma). Photo by Stijn Dijkstra, Pexels.

The global plastic pollution crisis, driven by major corporations, has reached alarming levels. The recent study “Global Producer Responsibility for Plastic Pollution,” published in Science Advances, reveals a direct link between corporate plastic production and the branded waste found polluting our planet.

Key Findings of Plastic Pollution and Corporate Influence

The study, conducted over five years (2018-2022) across 84 countries, with particularly robust coverage in Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America, analyzed over 1,500 brand audits to quantify the sources of plastic pollution. The findings are staggering:

  • Just 56 companies accounted for over 50% of all branded plastic pollution documented globally.

  • The top contributors include The Coca-Cola Company at 11%, followed by PepsiCo (5%), Nestlé (3%), Danone (3%), and Altria (2%).

  • There was a clear linear relationship between a company’s plastic production levels and the amount of its branded plastic pollution found in the environment.

  • Food and beverage companies producing single-use plastics were disproportionately higher polluters compared to their production volumes.

  • A startling 50% of the plastic pollution items found were completely unbranded. This highlights the need for improved labeling to identify polluter sources and hold companies responsible.

These results show evidence that major corporations are driving the global plastic crisis through their excessive production of disposable plastic products and packaging. Food and beverage companies, which produce many single-use plastic products, were disproportionately higher polluters relative to their production volumes compared to companies making longer-lasting household and retail products. 

There were noticeable gaps in data from regions like South America, central and north Asia, the Middle East, and central Africa.

Strategies for Reducing Corporate Plastic Pollution

To combat global plastic pollution effectively, the study suggests several strategies:

  • Phase out non-essential single-use plastics: Corporate polluters, especially the largest polluters identified, need to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastic products.

  • Invest in alternative materials: Develop and utilize safer, sustainable materials.

  • Implement reuse and refill systems: Promote systems that reduce the need for single-use packaging and promote and alternative materials.

  • Maintain standards of transparency and accountability: Develop international standards for packaging labeling and branding.

The study also revealed that 50% of plastic pollution items found were completely unbranded, highlighting a critical lack of transparency and traceability. To address this, the researchers recommend the creation of an international, open-access database where companies would be required to report their plastic pollution – from production to waste.

By holding corporations accountable and compelling them to fundamentally shift away from single-use plastics, we can move towards tackling the plastic pollution crisis. This data-driven approach provides a clear roadmap for environmental activists, policymakers, and concerned citizens to demand urgent action from the world’s largest plastic polluters.

The Role of Transparency and Accountability

The study recommends creation of an open-access global database where companies must quantitatively track and report their plastic product and packaging data, as well as releases into the environment. 

There is yet no single, comprehensive global database that mandates reporting of all corporate plastic production and waste; however, there are several initiatives that aim to increase transparency and accountability.

  • The Global Commitment and Plastic Pact Network led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation requires members to track and report their progress on plastic waste reduction. The Plastic Disclosure Project also encourages companies to voluntarily report their plastic pollution.

  • The European Union has implemented directives requiring companies to report on packaging and waste. 

  • The Global Plastic Action Partnership also engages stakeholders to shape national action plans on plastic pollution.

  • Some countries have Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, which requires producers to report on production, recycling, and waste management activities. 

Mobilizing Stakeholders for Action

The clear link established between corporate plastic production and environmental pollution underscores an urgent need for systemic changes in how plastic products are produced, used, and disposed of. With a significant portion of plastic pollution traceable back to a handful of major corporations, especially those producing single-use plastics, the path forward requires a combined effort of corporate innovation and robust governmental regulation. By focusing on extended producer responsibility and encouraging sustainable alternatives, we can significantly reduce plastic pollution and move towards a more circular economy. It is crucial for governments, corporations, and consumers to work together to implement these changes and preserve our environment for future generations.

No More Excuses

The era of excuses and inaction has ended. We must hold these corporations accountable for their contributions to the plastic pollution crisis.

Source: Cowger, W., Willis, K. A., Bullock, S., Conlon, K., Emmanuel, J., Erdle, L. M., Eriksen, M., Farrelly, T. A., Hardesty, B. D., Kerge, K., Li, N., Li, Y., Liebman, A., Tangri, N., Thiel, M., Villarrubia-Gómez, P., Walker, T. R., & Wang, M. (2024). “Global producer responsibility for plastic pollution.” Science Advances, 10(eadj8275).

A Circular Economy for Salt that Keeps Rivers Clean

/ activist360 / Leave a comment
During the winter of 2018-2019, one million tons of salt were applied to icy roads in the state of Pennsylvania alone. The salt from industrial uses like this often ends up in freshwater rivers, making their water undrinkable and contributing to a growing global crisis. How can we better protect these precious natural resources? Physical organic chemist Tina Arrowood shares a three-step plan to keep salt out of rivers – and create a circular salt economy that turns industrial byproducts into valuable resources.