An enormous landfill site of fast fashion in the Chilean desert has become so massive that it is now visible from space. Over time, this shocking mountain of discarded clothing has grown in size, attracting attention even from satellites. The Atacama Desert in Chile, known as the driest place on Earth with an average annual rainfall of less than 1mm, has become an unfortunate dumping ground for unsold and unworn garments.
The dumpsite contains a range of discarded items, including Christmas sweaters and ski boots. High-resolution satellite images, obtained through the photo app Skyfi, provide a chilling view of the extent of the landfill. The coordinates of the mountain were discovered through outreach on the communication platform Discord.
A spokesperson for SkyHi expressed their concerns, stating, “The satellite image of the clothing pile in Chile’s Atacama Desert serves as a powerful visual reminder of the problem at hand. Its sheer size and the pollution it generates are now visible from space, underscoring the urgent need for change within the fashion industry.”
According to a report by The Business Research Company, the market size of fast fashion is projected to increase from $106.42 billion to $122.98 billion by 2023. This alarming growth emphasizes the environmental impact and sustainability challenges associated with the fashion industry.
The visibility of the fast fashion dumpsite from space serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the issue of clothing waste and promote more sustainable practices within the industry. Efforts to reduce overproduction, encourage recycling, and promote responsible consumption are vital in combating the detrimental effects of fast fashion on our planet.
