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France 24
06-08-2025
- General
- France 24
A year on, Ugandans still suffering from deadly garbage collapse
Then came screams and a giant wave of garbage rushing towards her, ripping up trees as it went. Nansamba, 31, grabbed her children and ran. She was luckier than most -- the avalanche of waste killed some 35 people before stopping at her doorstep. Many survivors of the collapse at the Kiteezi dump on August 9, 2024, have yet to be compensated for their losses, leaving them trapped at the dangerous garbage site. "We are living a miserable life," Nansamba told AFP. Kiteezi is the largest landfill in Kampala, serving the city's residents since 1996, receiving 2,500 tonnes of waste daily. City authorities recommended closing it when it reached capacity in 2015, but garbage kept coming. The disaster highlighted the challenge of managing waste in many rapidly urbanising African cities. A 2017 landfill collapse in Ethiopia killed 116 people. A year later, 17 died after heavy rain caused a landslide at a dump in Mozambique. It doesn't help that wealthier countries send vast amounts of waste to Africa, particularly second-hand clothes, computers and cars. In 2019, the United States exported some 900 million items of second-hand clothing to Kenya alone, more than half designated as waste, according to Changing Markets Foundation, an advocacy group. The Kiteezi collapse "could have been avoided", said Ivan Bamweyana, a scholar of geomatics at Kampala's Makerere University. For a decade, he said, the landfill grew vertically until it reached a height of some 30 metres (98 feet). Early on the fateful morning, rain seeped into the landfill's cracks, causing a fatal cascade. "What is coming can still be avoided," Bamweyana said, of the continued risks at the site. Another crash? The landfill continues to emit methane gas, which caused fires in February and June. While no longer in official use, locals sneak up its slopes to eke out a living collecting plastic bottles to sell. "I would not be shocked if there was a secondary crash," Bamweyana said. Official figures of the number of homes destroyed vary, but it is certain that dozens disappeared in the initial incident, with more totalled during the hunt for bodies. A Red Cross spokesperson said many of the 233 people displaced have still not received compensation. Shadia Nanyongo's home was buried and she now shares a single room with six other family members. The 29-year-old told AFP she had still not been compensated. The family eats one meal a day and at night squeezes together on two mattresses on the floor. "I pray to God to come with money, because this situation is not easy," Nanyongo said. Her friend, fellow survivor Nansamba, still lives on the edge of the landfill. The stench of garbage fills her house and the area is infested with vermin. She said her children get bacterial infections at least three times a month. Nansamba would like to move but cannot afford to unless the government, which promised compensation, pays out for other houses she owned and rented out and lost in the disaster. Her own house was not destroyed. Memories of the collapse keep her up at night. "You hear dogs barking... you think ghosts have come," she said. 'Hurriedly and illegally' Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) told AFP that compensation would be paid out in September and a new landfill site had been chosen in Mpigi district, around 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the city centre. KCCA says everything has been done legally, but the National Forestry Authority (NFA) told AFP that the new garbage site infringes on a protected forest and wetlands reserve and that city authorities began dumping at the site in late 2024 without their knowledge. "They did it hurriedly (and) illegally," said NFA spokesperson Aldon Walukamba. The city is home to some 1.7 million, according to last year's census, and continues to grow -- meaning such trade-offs between trash and the environment will likely continue. For Bamweyana, the scholar, what is needed is education about waste and recycling. "We cannot keep solving the problem using the same mechanism that created it," he said. © 2025 AFP
Int'l Business Times
06-08-2025
- General
- Int'l Business Times
A Year On, Ugandans Still Suffering From Deadly Garbage Collapse
When the giant landfill collapsed in Uganda's capital Kampala a year ago, Zamhall Nansamba thought she was hearing an aeroplane taking off. Then came screams and a giant wave of garbage rushing towards her, ripping up trees as it went. Nansamba, 31, grabbed her children and ran. She was luckier than most -- the avalanche of waste killed some 35 people before stopping at her doorstep. Many survivors of the collapse at the Kiteezi dump on August 9, 2024, have yet to be compensated for their losses, leaving them trapped at the dangerous garbage site. "We are living a miserable life," Nansamba told AFP. Kiteezi is the largest landfill in Kampala, serving the city's residents since 1996, receiving 2,500 tonnes of waste daily. City authorities recommended closing it when it reached capacity in 2015, but garbage kept coming. The disaster highlighted the challenge of managing waste in many rapidly urbanising African cities. A 2017 landfill collapse in Ethiopia killed 116 people. A year later, 17 died after heavy rain caused a landslide at a dump in Mozambique. It doesn't help that wealthier countries send vast amounts of waste to Africa, particularly second-hand clothes, computers and cars. In 2019, the United States exported some 900 million items of second-hand clothing to Kenya alone, more than half designated as waste, according to Changing Markets Foundation, an advocacy group. The Kiteezi collapse "could have been avoided", said Ivan Bamweyana, a scholar of geomatics at Kampala's Makerere University. For a decade, he said, the landfill grew vertically until it reached a height of some 30 metres (98 feet). Early on the fateful morning, rain seeped into the landfill's cracks, causing a fatal cascade. "What is coming can still be avoided," Bamweyana said, of the continued risks at the site. The landfill continues to emit methane gas, which caused fires in February and June. While no longer in official use, locals sneak up its slopes to eke out a living collecting plastic bottles to sell. "I would not be shocked if there was a secondary crash," Bamweyana said. Official figures of the number of homes destroyed vary, but it is certain that dozens disappeared in the initial incident, with more totalled during the hunt for bodies. A Red Cross spokesperson said many of the 233 people displaced have still not received compensation. Shadia Nanyongo's home was buried and she now shares a single room with six other family members. The 29-year-old told AFP she had still not been compensated. The family eats one meal a day and at night squeezes together on two mattresses on the floor. "I pray to God to come with money, because this situation is not easy," Nanyongo said. Her friend, fellow survivor Nansamba, still lives on the edge of the landfill. The stench of garbage fills her house and the area is infested with vermin. She said her children get bacterial infections at least three times a month. Nansamba would like to move but cannot afford to unless the government, which promised compensation, pays out for other houses she owned and rented out and lost in the disaster. Her own house was not destroyed. Memories of the collapse keep her up at night. "You hear dogs barking... you think ghosts have come," she said. Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) told AFP that compensation would be paid out in September and a new landfill site had been chosen in Mpigi district, around 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the city centre. KCCA says everything has been done legally, but the National Forestry Authority (NFA) told AFP that the new garbage site infringes on a protected forest and wetlands reserve and that city authorities began dumping at the site in late 2024 without their knowledge. "They did it hurriedly (and) illegally," said NFA spokesperson Aldon Walukamba. The city is home to some 1.7 million, according to last year's census, and continues to grow -- meaning such trade-offs between trash and the environment will likely continue. For Bamweyana, the scholar, what is needed is education about waste and recycling. "We cannot keep solving the problem using the same mechanism that created it," he said. Many survivors of the collapse at the Kiteezi dump in Kampala have yet to be compensated for their losses AFP The disaster highlighted the challenge of managing waste in many rapidly urbanising African cities AFP
Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Shopping sprees shouldn't cost the earth - a designer gives tips on eco-conscious clothing
Fashion designer Kitty Joseph reveals the tips and tricks to how you can build a more environmentally friendly wardrobe and what shoppers should keep an eye out for when buying new clothes While there are many initiatives, such as low-water consumption garments and recycled fabrics, that support a more sustainable fashion industry, consumers are still surrounded by misleading information and constant greenwashing. High street fashion often promotes greener incentive s, from recycling used clothing to free alterations. However, a study by the Changing Markets Foundation found that 12 of the largest British and European fashion brands, including ASOS, H&M, and Zara, have identified that 60% of their environmental claims could be classified as "unsubstantiated" and "misleading". It's no surprise that fast fashion and mass consumption have a detrimental effect on the environment. For years, consumers have been warned about the effects of overconsumption and the impacts of fast fashion. According to the UN Environment Programme, the fashion industry is now the second-largest consumer of water and is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions. Interestingly, more than double the amount of 18-34-year-olds (33%) compared to 35-54-year-olds (14%) prioritise sustainability over style when building their wardrobe. Nearly half (46%) of those young people who care most about shopping sustainably do not know where to find these options or how to style them (35%). However, an increasing number of consumers want to make more environmentally conscious decisions when purchasing clothing, but it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Fashion designer, Kitty Joseph, tells The Mirror: "Sustainability in fashion isn't just about the clothes we wear—it's about the choices we make and the values we support. "While fashion may never be entirely impact-free, we can all strive to make better choices that lessen our footprint and contribute to positive change. At KITTY JOSEPH, we're proud to exclusively use recycled and organic fabrics in our designs, ensuring that every piece reflects our commitment to a more thoughtful future for fashion" Shop second-hand The most sustainable way to welcome new clothes into your closet is by shopping second-hand. By purchasing a garment second-hand, shoppers reduce waste and conserve scarce resources. By giving an item a second life, fashion fans are preventing more garments from ending up in landfills or being incinerated. Which ultimately avoids the environmental impact of new manufacturing and transportation. There are now several platforms that make second-hand clothing accessible to everyone. Apps like Depop and Vinted are two popular reselling marketplaces that allow sellers and buyers to browse thousands of products while also protecting both parties from potential scams. Kitty Joseph explains: "Beyond shopping, there are so many ways to make a difference. Charity shops and vintage stores are treasure troves for unique, pre-loved finds, and supporting local independent brands helps sustain smaller businesses that are working hard to do things differently. Why not organise a clothes swap party with friends to refresh your wardrobe without buying new clothes? And most importantly, take a moment to pause before purchasing—ask yourself if it's something you'll truly love and wear often." Research fabrics When purchasing clothing, it is essential to educate yourself on the various materials and fabrics. Many popular fibres, such as polyester, nylon, rayon, and acrylic, are synthetic and classified as by-products of petroleum. According to GENeco, clothing made with these materials will take 200 years to decompose, posing detrimental effects on the environment. These materials are commonly found in many garments and offer little benefit to the wearer. Synthetic fibres are notorious for retaining odours and do not allow the body to regulate its temperature naturally. Additionally, they are unable to wick moisture away and can shed thousands of microplastics into our water whenever they are washed. Instead, when purchasing new clothing, look for natural fibres like silk, linen, cotton and wool. These materials are derived from plants and animals and are a much more sustainable option than synthetic fibres. Not only are they more environmentally friendly, but they also provide the wearer with numerous benefits like temperature control and breathability. Buy better, buy less Next time you make a purchase, consider investing in higher-quality items. Although fast fashion has a reasonable price tag, its value is often reflected in the quality. Fast fashion is notorious for breaking easily, hence the low price. So, the next time you need a new jumper or shoes, invest in a more reliable brand known for quality. Kitty Joseph emphasises the importance of how even small changes can have a big impact. She explains: "Every small, intentional step adds up. While perfection isn't possible, striving to do our best is a meaningful way to shape a brighter, more sustainable future for fashion." It's not necessarily about spending more money on garments; it's about analysing the product. Look at the composition on the label. What is it made out of? Look at the seams. Are they even and double-locked, and is there any tension on the seams? Additionally, ensure the colour and style complement your existing closet, as the most sustainable products are those that receive the most wear. Don't buy into trends With the rise of social media, buying into trends has never been more tempting. Each day, we consume masses of content that reflect new and emerging trends, showing shoppers the must-have bag, shoes, or dress, which will have its moment and then be thrown into landfill once the hype dies down. When making a new purchase, ensure that the item is practical and suitable for your needs. Consider carefully the outfits you would wear with the new product. It's essential to make sure you're not buying a viral item solely for the sake of it. Repair, don't replace Lastly, next time a trusty garment in your wardrobe gets damaged, try repairing it instead of replacing it. Repairing clothing can be a fun and exciting new skill, while allowing you to give your clothing a new lease of life. There are many ways to repair an item, but learning a few simple stitches can be a game-changer for a quick and simple repair to a split seam. Alternatively, for larger rips, consider using iron-on patches. This can be a unique way to personalise your clothing and extend its life. Alternatively, if you prefer to leave it to the professionals, many local dry cleaners offer basic damage repair services for a small fee. So, take your beloved item in and see what they can do.
Fashion United
23-04-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
What does Puma's sustainability claim mean that nine out of ten products are made from recycled or certified materials?
Sportswear giant Puma released its sustainability report just in time for Earth Day. The report highlights that the company achieved its 2021 goal of making nine out of ten products from recycled or certified materials that have lower emissions last year. But what does this mean exactly? FashionUnited took a closer look at the report. The company states that it has 'significantly increased' the use of these materials and reportedly used 13 percent recycled cotton (compared to 9 percent the previous year) and approximately 75 percent recycled polyester (compared to 62 percent in 2023) in its products. While these figures initially sound promising, they lack further differentiation, leading one to question whether all products contain a percentage of recycled materials and, if so, how much? Upon closer examination of the report's circularity section, the company elaborates that, in fact, a quarter (25 percent) of all materials used by Puma were made from recycled content. This means that three-quarters were made from virgin materials. Trend synthetics Puma also illustrates the trend of major fashion brands using more synthetic materials despite pledges to the contrary – clearly evident in the fact that the proportion of recycled cotton is less than one-seventh that of recycled polyester. This aligns with virgin material consumption, where, according to a study by the Changing Markets Foundation, the industry is using more fossil fuel-based fabrics, with polyester leading the way. Looking further into the sustainability report (products section), while the proportion of apparel using recycled or certified materials is 89 percent (58 percent for accessories and 96 percent for footwear, respectively), this only signifies a content of 50 percent or more of these materials. This means a garment or accessory falling into this category may consist of up to 49 percent virgin or non-certified materials. Footwear only needs to contain one certified or recycled component to be included. Therefore, the gray area is relatively large. Recycled polyester from textiles A positive aspect of Puma's approach is that, unlike the industry norm of using recycled polyester from plastic bottles (thus sourced from another industry), the company utilises recycled polyester derived from textiles. This is achieved through the textile-to-textile recycling project Re:Fibre, which uses industrial and consumer waste as its primary raw material source. 'In 2024, 13.9 percent of the polyester used in Puma textiles was already produced with Re:Fibre,' the company states in its press release. The sustainability report elaborates on this: 'We scaled up our Re:Fibre initiative using textile-to-textile recycled polyester on replica jerseys of all football federations and most major football clubs. This means that we sold millions of football jerseys made from recycled textile waste.' Is polyester still king? Critics might argue that it is not yet feasible to forgo polyester in sportswear due to its valued properties (being stretchy, lightweight, quick-drying, etc.). However, this is no longer true. Natural materials like cotton, bamboo, hemp or linen are viable alternatives, as are Tencel, merino wool or plant-based nylon. There is also the argument that brands should be commended for their willingness to share sustainability data. Certainly, compiling a 200+ page sustainability report, as in Puma's case, is no small feat, and it offers valuable insights. However, these must be viewed critically and compared with key performance indicators, which are unfortunately often missing. Finally, there is the adage, 'brands have to start somewhere,' and 'change takes time.' This is true and might have been a valid argument a decade ago. However, sustainability is no longer a 'nice to have' but a 'must-have' that has also proven its economic value – sustainable companies operate more efficiently and consume fewer raw materials and resources, positively impacting not only the environment but also the bottom line. Major brands, therefore, have a pioneering role to play and should not hide behind targets that are too small. Further progress in key areas such as greenhouse gas emissions, chemicals, human rights, living wages and others can be found in the full sustainability report, available on Puma's official website.
