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| Used clothes that are ready to be recycled. (Photo : Zaki PR UMM) |
The clothing industry is the second largest contributor to waste in the world. Globally, an estimated 92 million tonnes of clothing textile waste is generated yearly. In addition, according to the findings of the Changing Markets Foundation in June 2021, the apparel industry is responsible for more than 20 percent of the world's water pollution.
Therefore, American Corner (Amcor) Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), together with iLitterless held a Green Customer Day (GCD) program. The activity was in the form of clothing donations on September 12-16, 2022. Amcor UMM Project Leader, Ismail Ramadhani, said this program has great potential for sustainable development issues. Especially the 12th point, which targets responsible consumption and production patterns. In addition, this program is also intended to address existing waste and environmental problems.
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"This GCD focuses on encouraging students to be more aware of environmental issues. Moreover, they are agents of change who should have good momentum and resources. Even by attracting public interest to succeed in related programs, "said Rama, his nickname.
In line with what Rama said, the Founder of iLitterless, Ence Adinda Dianasta Almas, noted that this program aims to increase public awareness of the importance of implementing the 3Rs, namely, reduce, reuse, and recycle. Ence, his nickname, revealed that previously they had managed to collect a lot of inorganic waste and sort it out.
"This year, GCD has three series of activities. One of them is Waste2Recycle, a textile waste donation program to be reprocessed into fashion products such as tote bags, shoulder bags, or bucket hats to fulfill the 12th Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Then, as an appreciation for community participation, on 28 September, there will be the main event, "A Night in Hongdae," by cooperating with the fashion community in the city of Malang while launching the upcycle Waste2recycle product," explained Ence.
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Furthermore, Ence hopes that more people, especially young people, will understand the importance of sorting waste and making it a habit or lifestyle. In addition, the waste2recycle program is expected to be able to make people aware that the use of waste is one solution to extend the life of an item.
On the other hand, the Director of AmCor UMM, Ria Arista Asih, Ph.D., really appreciated the positive value of this program because young people initiated it, and the target was also young people. The collection point for donations is also on campus and several cafes that young people visit. "I also hope this program can be more routinized not only in September, and the collection period can be longer, so that more clothes will be donated," Ria said. (cdr/zak/wil)
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