Textile pollution in the Atacama and sustainability challenges and solutions in the COP 30 era

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the management of textile waste, with special attention to the disposal of clothing in the Atacama Desert, in Chile, investigating its origins, environmental impacts and possible solutions to minimize the negative effects in times of COP30. Research was conducted based on a theoretical framework on the subject, through a bibliographic review and analysis of data on the textile industry, clothing consumption, waste management in the textile sector and regulations on the subject. It was identified that the massive disposal of clothing is related to the consumption phenomenon known as “fast fashion” and the lack of regulation for the adequate management of this waste, contributing to the increase in the emission of polluting gases. It is concluded that it is important to adopt stricter public policies, encourage more sustainable business models, greater accountability of companies and promote awareness of responsible consumption, in order to mitigate the problems of improper disposal of textile waste.