In the past decade retailers have made huge strides in regards to sustainability – but their endeavors require partners and collaboration.
According to Fashion Intelligence, 1 in 2 people are throwing their unwanted clothes straight in the trash. The result? 64% of garments produced each year end up in landfill. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that Americans generate 16 million tons of textile waste a year.
As a minority owned company we know the importance and value microfinance can make in the developing world. Therefore, we wanted to take our sustainability agenda to the next level.
Over the past thirty years we have developed long-lasting relationships with women entrepreneurs throughout Africa and South America. We saw first-hand the impact we could make opening the doors to the global economy of second hand clothing. Our operations allow these women to choose what bales of clothing to purchase and resell in their small flea markets. Many times these women may be single-mothers, widows, or victims of domestic violence, and after working with us they become the head of the household. These resale businesses they start allow them financial freedom, the ability to support their families, and the opportunity to participate in the global economy.
The program has spread drastically throughout South America and Africa now. We’re getting new partners coming into our overseas warehouses regularly inspired by their friends and families success. Instances where they don’t have the seed money to start their own business we offer start-up microloans. Our programs are so successful that there has never been a default on one of the microloans. Not only are they repaid, but our partner’s income is now flourishing. By incorporating the exchange of product and profit with our partners we ensure that not only we can stay in business, but by not flooding small vulnerable economies with donations, we’re not running anyone out of business either.
