Gigantic protest in Trier: Disposable fashion must not continue like this!

Gigantic protest in Trier: Disposable fashion must not continue like this!

On Sunday, November 9th, the Porta Nigra in Trier experienced an impressive protest against disposable fashion, organized by Greenpeace Trier. The focus was a five-meter-high art installation made from clothing waste, which urgently pointed out the grievances of fast fashion. With the banner text “Fast Fashion: Bought cheaply, paid dearly,” the message became abundantly clear that the problem goes far beyond national borders. The materials for this impressive campaign came from the Kantamanto market in Accra, Ghana, where used clothes from Germany are often perceived as a burden on the environment. Wochenspiegel reports that Greenpeace is actively drawing attention to the ongoing problems caused by the import of used clothing, which has a devastating impact on the global south.

“Fast fashion is a system that burns resources and dumps our waste in the global south,” explained Eske Walther from Greenpeace Trier emphatically. The organization is calling for an anti-fast fashion law, inspired by the French model, that should get to the root of the problem. Anna Karlotta Everke, also from Greenpeace, added: “Only a strong law can stop the flood of clothes.” Other proposals include special taxes on cheap fashion and a ban on such advertising. A report also states that such measures can be legally implemented in Germany.

The reality of textile consumption in the EU

But the problems raised are not just to be considered locally. A recent study by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that textile consumption in the EU has reached worrying levels. In 2022, EU citizens bought an average of 19 kilograms of textiles per person, with around 8 kilograms being clothing. This is an increase compared to 2019, when it was 17 kilograms. The report highlights that this consumption results in significant environmental and climate impacts, including high material and water consumption as well as emissions of chemicals and microplastics. Süddeutsche Zeitung reports.

What is particularly alarming is the fact that in 2022 almost 7 million tonnes of textile waste were produced in the 27 EU member states. This corresponds to around 16 kilograms per person. A shocking 85 percent of this textile waste was not properly separated and instead ended up in mixed household waste. From January 1, 2025, a new EU directive will apply that stipulates that textiles must be disposed of separately from other waste.

Politicians, industry and consumers are required

In order to stop the negative effects of fast fashion, everyone involved is required. Politics, industry and consumers must pull together to promote better quality and longer-lasting textiles. The increasing number of fast fashion providers, such as Temu and Shein, contributes to the problem and calls for quick solutions.

At a time when sustainability should be a priority, there is a growing sense of sadness for the environment. The art installation in Trier made an impressive appeal to everyone: It is time to take responsibility and take measures that will help reduce excessive textile consumption and its consequences.