India’s problem isn’t the lack of logistics in technology, infrastructure or even funding. It is awareness towards fashion waste.
We are yet to understand the damage that our old clothes have on the environment and biodiversity. 8.5% of global textile waste is generated in India which is about 7793 ktons while the USA generates about 11.3 million tons of waste annually. What most people don’t realise is that textile waste is one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation. From synthetic fibers that take centuries to break down to toxic dyes polluting our rivers, fashion’s environmental toll is severe.
Textile waste releases methane in the environment, which induces the greenhouse effect while consequently leading to climate change, death of marine life and many more impacts. And yet, we continue to throw away clothes like they are disposable items. To put it statistically, the generation of textile waste was about 17 million tons in 2018, contributing about 5.8 MSW generation the same year. From the period between 2018 and 2025, the number has only risen; this indicates the common mindset – no recycling, no reusing, just disposing.
Awareness is the first step of action. We cannot expect people to understand the importance of recycling, reusing and innovation, if they do not understand the consequences of lack of awareness. Even today, sustainability conversations have not become mainstream – especially in places of community like schools, offices and colonies.
That’s why we decided to intervene. Team Respun, over the past three months, has engaged with more than 2,000 individuals, including students, designers, business leaders, and residents, through masterclasses, community talks, and interactive sessions. We’re not just preaching sustainability; we’re creating spaces where people can understand the why, explore the how, and imagine a better way forward.
Our focus is on strengthening three foundations : Educating people on the environmental cost of fashion waste, engagement in dialogue over fashion waste generation and empowerment through recycling, reusing and rethinking the way we consume fashion today.
If you’d like to be part of a conversation that induces change and showcases a mindset that balances fashion with the environment, DM us, or schedule a session in your school, college, office, or community.
This is our chance to treat fashion waste awareness like it’s priceless.
