Today marks Earth Day, a day when the world remembers the importance of sustainability in protecting our planet and conserving it for the sake of our children’s children and far beyond. As we look favorably upon sustainability as the bedrock of caring for the space rock we live on, we can’t help but also remember the unfortunate reasons why it’s much needed in the first place.

One such reason is perhaps one of the most earth-damaging industries: fashion. A jarring and rampant reason belies why.

Most players in the fashion industry operate in fast fashion. This means that clothes are produced at large and at scale to serve modern consumers, who tend to buy 60% more clothes than they did 15 years ago. The simple economic principle of supply and demand is the fuel that keeps the fast fashion industry burning—and quite literally, at that.

You see, unfortunately, the modern consumer also only keeps the clothes they buy for half as long as they used to—which can look like as little as 10 wears. This means that around 40 million tons of fashion waste end up in landfills, and a measly 1% of that is actually recycled.

To paint a more vivid picture, we can look at countries like Chile and Ghana.

Images: (From left to right) Photo of Chile’s Atacama Desert via National Geographic; One of Ghana’s fast fashion graveyards via Muntaka Chasant/Rex.

Chile’s Atacama Desert is the driest place on earth and also a dumping ground for used clothes from mostly the United States, Europe, and Asia. Around 60,000 tons of used clothing are shipped to a city in Northern Chile called Iquique annually, of which more than half end up in landfills around the country, like the Atacama Desert.

Ghana tells a similar story—around 15 million used clothes arrive in the country every week, with fast fashion pieces making up an increasing number of what is sent. But because the quality of the fast fashion items is poor, around 40% of that ends up in Ghana’s heaping landfills.

In lieu of all this, the onus seems to be on fashion brands to stop supplying as much and for consumers to be mindful of their purchasing habits. Oversimplistic and idealistic? Perhaps. But alas, there are indeed outliers in the fashion industry who dare to go against the grain and actually make a dent.

One such brand is Wasted Collective. The Bali-based clothing and apparel brand is reimagining what waste materials can become and has designed apparel made from recycled waste. They also have brought together a global community through worldwide clean-up events, and are opening their first waste centre in Bali this year.

We speak to Isaac Larose, the Global Creative Director of Potato Head Family, the parent company of Wasted Collective, to see the impact the eco-friendly fashion brand is having and to learn more about Earth Shoe 01, the brand’s signature shoe made from recycled waste.

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Isaac Larose, Global Creative Director, Potato Head Family.

Fast fashion is a bane, turning countries like Chile and Ghana into fast fashion graveyards. In Southeast Asia, too, countries like Bali are facing waste-management issues. As the world searches for solutions, Wasted Collective’s philosophy is apt: “From existing waste to reduce future waste.”

Let our readers know how you are making a difference.

At Wasted Collective, we take waste from the production line and transform it into innovative products that not only serve a purpose but also contribute to a sustainable future. By repurposing waste materials, we’re actively reducing the strain on landfills and minimizing the demand for new resources.

But we also understand the importance of community engagement. That’s why we organize regular clean-up events in beaches and neighborhoods, turning waste removal into a fun and social activity. Picture yourself enjoying a stunning sunset and sipping on drinks, all while making a positive impact on the environment. That’s the Wasted Collective way.

By making sustainability enjoyable and accessible, we believe in inspiring individuals to become agents of change in their own communities. After all, when you make it fun, people are more likely to get involved and stay committed to the cause.

The Earth Shoe 01 are trainers produced using waste reclaimed directly from the shoe production line. How is this manufacturing approach better for the ecosystem?

This approach is better for the ecosystem because it reduces the need for new resources. By reusing materials that would have otherwise been thrown away, we’re cutting down on the amount of waste produced and the resources used in making new materials.

So, by wearing the Earth Shoe 01, you’re not only getting a pair of trainers but also helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. It’s a win-win for both you and the planet.

Tell us about the inspiration behind the design language of the Earth Shoe 01. Is it a challenge to strike a balance between style and sustainability?

The Earth Shoe 01 is definitely the most comfortable piece of trash.

Our mission is to craft products that transcend seasons, enduring the test of time instead of chasing fleeting trends. It’s a daunting challenge, but the reward lies in the positive impact we strive to make on the industry.

Wasted Collective also carries apparel, such as hoodies, shirts, tees, and sweatshirts. Are these also made sustainable through a process similar to that of the Earth Shoe 01?

Our current apparel collection at Wasted Collective is made with recycled cotton and produced consciously. While it’s not exactly like the Earth Shoe 01 process, we’re working on our next collection to follow a similar concept of reusing materials directly from production waste.

So, stay tuned for even more sustainable options in the future.

The brand is also active in the community. The Wasted Neighbourhood Clean-Up initiatives across Bali, Singapore, Tokyo, and London not only involve people physically making a difference but also involve a celebration surrounding it through music.

Tell us more about what the brand hopes to achieve with this initiative in the long run and if other plans are in the works.

Starting in April, these clean-up events serve as a ‘walking’ conversation starter about waste issues in our neighborhoods. While we host regular clean-ups at Petitenget Beach twice a week, we also collaborate with local establishments to sustain the clean-up momentum.

Whether it’s teaming up with Times Warung in Canggu, Siwilai Radical Club in Thailand, Single Fin in Uluwatu, or Space Available, our goal remains the same: to inspire global change through local action.

What sets our clean-up events apart is the integration of music, with local DJs and community radio stations amplifying the message of environmental responsibility. By infusing fun and creativity into these initiatives, we aim to engage more people in the conversation and inspire them to take action.

What sets Wasted Collective apart from other sneaker or fashion brands that are making efforts to be more sustainable and eco-friendly?

First and foremost, we believe in making sustainability fun and accessible. Our brand ethos is all about creating fun experiences, whether it’s watching the sunset on the beach, listening to music, or sharing drinks with friends. By infusing our initiatives with elements of fun and community, we make sustainability a lifestyle choice rather than a chore.

From a product standpoint, we’re not just eco-friendly, focusing on using sustainable materials. We take it a step further by reimagining waste itself. Our products are made from reclaimed materials, transforming what would have been discarded into nice and functional items. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also challenges the conventional norms of fashion production.

In essence, Wasted Collective isn’t just about being eco-conscious; we’re about redefining the way we think about waste and sustainability. By combining fun, creativity, and a commitment to reimagining waste, we’re aiming for a more sustainable future in fashion and beyond.

What is some advice Wasted Collective can give to the reader who wants to make a positive difference via their fashion choices?

Choose well-made, long-lasting products. By buying cheaply made products, we are contributing to the negative spiral of sending more waste to landfills. Repairing wear and tear to extend a product’s lifespan is not only a great idea but also enjoyable.

Ultimately, consumer choices dictate how the industry operates in the future. Your choices matter.

Join our collective 😉

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