Atacama Desert faces massive accumulation of textile waste

The Atacama Desert in Chile is hosting a massive accumulation of textile waste, forming a mountain of approximately 39,000 tons of discarded clothing that is visible from space. This phenomenon highlights the environmental impact of the global fashion industry's consumption patterns.

Chile serves as a major hub for second-hand clothing, receiving roughly 59,000 tons of garments annually through the port of Iquique. These clothes, often manufactured in China or Bangladesh, are intended for resale across Latin America. However, items that cannot be sold or are moved through smuggling end up in the desert.

Because much of the clothing is synthetic and treated with chemicals, it can take up to 200 years to biodegrade. Experts warn that this waste can become as toxic to the environment as discarded tires or plastic materials.