“Revive” old clothes, spread green love

From that reality, many practical initiatives have been born, contributing to extending the life cycle of clothes, avoiding waste, while at the same time arousing the spirit of sharing and spreading the message of living more responsibly towards the environment.

A volunteer group sorts old clothes to give to people in difficult circumstances.

According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the fashion industry currently accounts for about 10% of global carbon emissions and produces up to 92 million tons of waste each year. It is worth noting that most of this waste can still be used if collected, recycled and distributed properly.

Research from Oxford University (UK) also warned that without effective emission reduction measures, greenhouse gas emissions from the fashion industry could increase from 2.1 billion tons in 2018 to 2.7 billion tons in 2030, contributing to worsening the global environmental crisis.

The fashion industry not only pollutes the air, it also consumes a huge amount of resources. According to Earth.org, the average shirt is only worn about 7-10 times before being discarded. However, it takes 2,700 liters of water to produce a simple cotton shirt, and 7,000 liters of water to produce a pair of jeans. In addition, wastewater from dyeing and fabric processing is also a serious source of pollution, affecting the environment and public health.

Faced with this situation, many organizations, individuals and communities have come up with specific initiatives to “revive” old clothes. This action not only contributes to protecting the environment, making old clothes more useful, but also spreads profound human values.

With that goal, the program “Warmth in Hands” was launched in Hanoi in June 2025. Used high-end fashion products will be donated by individuals, brands, and stores, then carefully inspected and redistributed by a reputable unit in the field of used luxury fashion business. The profits from this activity will be used to buy warm clothes for poor children in mountainous areas.

Executive Director of Vietnam Children's Fund (a children's fundraising organization) Ho Thi Nga shared: "Through the program "Warmth in Hands", we hope to call for the participation of all classes in society, from celebrities, businesses to individuals to share love together. Every item you once loved can become a new source of life for a child in a remote, disadvantaged area."

Many anti-clothing waste movements are spreading strongly in the community, especially thanks to the influence of social networks. Volunteer groups are formed and maintained persistently, specializing in collecting old clothes to continue the product life cycle, avoid waste and share with those who are still in difficult situations.

Ms. Hoang Thi Hien, a member of the Veterans Volunteer Group in Hanoi, said: “Over the past 5 years, we have continuously called for and collected used clothes from everywhere, then sorted, packaged and sent them to poor people in the northern mountainous provinces. Some members of the group are willing to go to their homes to receive the items, then bring them to the warehouse for processing. Each shirt or pair of pants, although old but still of good use, carries humanity and sincere sharing.”

In fact, fighting against clothing waste is not something far-fetched or difficult to do. Everyone can start with small actions, such as not rushing to throw away a shirt that is still in good condition, fixing a loose button, sewing a torn seam, or simply giving it to someone in need. This affirms that every item that seems to have no value can become a precious gift if given to the right place, at the right time, and to the right person.

Fighting clothing waste is not only an environmental action but also a way for people to affirm human values.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/hoi-sinh-quan-ao-cu-geo-yeu-thuong-xanh-710083.html