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A mountain of discarded clothes from fast fashion retailers in Chile's Atacama Desert has already accumulated more than 60 tons of waste, including non-biodegradable items, and has become so immense that it is visible from space.
The driest desert in the world, the Atacama, in northern Chile, hides a sad reality: a mountain of garbage so large that it can be seen from space. The waste is predominantly made up of clothes discarded by the fast fashion industry, piling up in a scene that looks like something out of a dystopian film. But how did we get to this point?
The Atacama Desert and the mountain of garbage
The Atacama Desert, famous for its aridity and unique beauty, is now also home to a gigantic deposit of discarded clothing. It is estimated that around 60 tons of clothing arrive in the region every year, coming from ports such as Iquique. Many of these items are manufactured in countries such as China and Bangladesh, but, since they are not sold in markets in the United States, Europe and Asia, end up dumped in the desert.
Among the discarded items are ski boots and Christmas sweaters that, ironically, do not suit the region’s climate. These clothes are not biodegradable and contain chemicals that make them impossible to dispose of in traditional landfills. Thus, the desert has become a veritable “global sacrifice”, where waste from other countries finds rest.
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Fast fashion: A waste engine
The fast fashion industry plays a central role in this problem. With its accelerated production and low prices, it encourages unbridled consumption and premature disposal of clothing. According to data, this industry generates 92 million tons of waste per year.
It's scary to think that while consumers take advantage of promotions and change their wardrobes every season, the environmental impact accumulates in mountains like that of Atacama. This consumer chain does not end in stores, but in the devastated landscapes and the compromised health of those who live near these landfills.
Life around the mountain of garbage
For those living near the mountain of trash, the situation is desperate. Trucks loaded with clothes regularly pass through local communities, leaving behind waste that is often burned, releasing toxic fumes.
Ángela Astudillo, co-founder of the NGO Desierto Vestido, describes the situation as a “daily hell”. Residents face the risks of pollution, both of the soil and air, while watching their lands being turned into global waste dumps.
Awareness and reuse initiatives
Despite the chaos, there are those who are fighting to change the situation. Franklin Zepeda, founder of EcoFibre, is transforming some of the discarded clothing into insulating panels. In addition, events such as the fashion show by model Sadlin Charles, who wore recycled clothing from the landfill, seek to draw attention to the problem.
These initiatives show that even when faced with a literal mountain of trash, creative solutions can be found. Designers, activists and communities are joining forces to raise awareness and push for change in the industry.
Solving the problem of the mountain of garbage in South America requires action on different fronts: governments, companies and consumers need to work together to prioritize sustainability. Some solutions include:
Reduce consumption: Buy only what is necessary and prioritize quality products.
Reuse and recycle: Donate clothes or transform them into new products.
Encourage the circular economy: Support brands that promote sustainable practices.
0102EzekielPaul
The reporter should have contacted the Chilean government to find out why they allowed such a thing to happen.