By Julie Molegnana
Photos by Alina Hagel
TBILISI, Dec 21 (Tbilisi Times) - Tbilisi is undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainable practices, particularly in the realm of environmental clothing with the introduction of clothing recycling containers.
Women with a shopping bag from Zara crossing by the second-hand shop "Humana"
Purchasing clothing from second-hand shops has been a common practice among Georgians, and the city has now embraced a more advanced approach with clothing recycling containers. These containers symbolize a collective effort to address ecological concerns in the country and encourage an environmentally conscious lifestyle.
These specialized containers act as collection points for residents to deposit their unused or unwanted clothes. By diverting these garments from landfills, Tbilisi aims to create a more circular and sustainable fashion cycle. Strategically placed in accessible locations like Bazari Orbeliani and Liberty Square, these containers encourage community participation, making it convenient for residents to contribute to this eco-friendly initiative.
For the production of Jeans a lot of resources, especially water are used. Buying them second-hand is an environmentally friendly alternative.
The success of such programs relies heavily on local awareness and engagement. Tbilisi's residents are increasingly vocal about environmental concerns, echoing a global trend of heightened awareness regarding ecological issues.
"For me, it's the best way to dress because it's affordable and environmentally friendly. I no longer prioritize buying clothes from popular brands due to concerns about workers' rights," said Misha Labadze, a manager from Kiwi Vegan Café, which also hosts one of these containers.
A research paper by the Institute of Social Studies and Analysis assessed the Level of Environmental Education and Awareness in Georgia, revealing significant ecological concerns among the population. 62% of respondents believe that Georgia is already experiencing the negative consequences of climate change, underscoring the importance of initiatives like clothing recycling to help raise awareness. Additionally, 64% of respondents said they didn’t receive environmental education during preschool.
The inspiration behind the clothing recycling container initiative stems from the French Association Emmaus. This effort signifies Tbilisi's endeavor to align with European lifestyles and share existing initiatives. Georgia's attainment of candidate status to join the European Union is also important in this initiative, because it highlights the significance of this issue for Georgians, and shows a collective aspiration to adopt European practices and standards.
Two women looking for second-hand clothes in the Humana shop.
Clothes can be exchanged in the clothes container in the Kiwi Vegan Café.
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