Collection in Aalen: Give hope for Cameroon together!

Collection in Aalen: Give hope for Cameroon together!

On Saturday, March 15th, a collection of clothes will take place in the area of ​​the Catholic Deanery Ostalb, which is organized by the Church Aid Organization Hope Rottenburg-Stuttgart e.V. This initiative aims to support civil war victims in Cameroon. As the Swabian post Clothing, shoes, bed linen and household textiles are donated.

The donations are accepted between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Anton Vaas, board member of Aktion Hope, has said concerns about the new EU directive, which says that old clothes may only be disposed of via old clothing containers and should not end up in the residual waste bin. This regulation, which comes into force from January 1, 2025, is intended to improve the circular economy and promote recycling. Currently only about 1% of clothing are recycled in the EU, the majority are burned.

recycling and reusability of textiles

VAAS emphasizes that only portable and clean clothes should be donated, since damaged or moldy fabrics cannot be processed. The problem with dirty and tattered clothing is that they are only suitable for further recycling to insulation materials or plaster flaps, which significantly reduces reusability. The quality of the clothing donated is of crucial importance for the success of such collections.

The EU regulation stipulates that public disposal offers have to provide offers for separate disposal of old textiles. This could be achieved by setting up collective container systems or through cooperation with commercial and charitable collectors. The rbb24 notes that the obligation does not affect consumers themselves, but the companies that for the disposal are responsible.

The proceeds from the clothing collection in Aalen are used to support people in the diocese of Mamfe, Cameroon who suffer from the consequences of the civil war. Aid offers include food, accommodation and measures to promote mental health. Part of the proceeds also flows into sustainable social projects of the parishes in the Deanery Ostalb.

This action is part of a larger trend within the EU, in which more and more emphasis is placed on the sustainability of the textile industry. The field of action not only includes clothing, but also shoes, leather goods and home textiles. As circular economy Germany , measures to improve the recycling process and the longevity of textiles are urgently required.

The EU strives to increase sales with durable clothing and recycled fibers and has launched numerous initiatives and educational campaigns. Consumers should be sensitized to sustainable clothing and place more emphasis on durable products.