TEXTILES
Did you know that “every year, 92 million tonnes of textile waste is produced globally. Production doubled from 2000 to 2015, while the duration of garment use decreased by 36 percent. Eleven percent of plastic waste comes from clothing and textiles, with only 8 percent of textiles fibres in 2023 made from recycled sources.” - UN* Solana Center is leading the way on community education focused on reducing textile waste and inspiring sustainable behavior change in the San Diego region and beyond.
California’s groundbreaking SB 707 Responsible Textile Recovery Act, holds the apparel and textile industry responsible for making sure their products get collected, repaired, reused, and recycled.
The average American throws away over 80 lbs of clothing annually
95% of worn/torn textiles can be recycled
Only 15% is donated or recycled; the rest is landfilled
Like food, landfilled textiles release methane
Like plastics, we are sending our problem “away” to other countries
Textile industry is resource intensive – using water, energy, raw materials
Fast fashion is contributing to increased demand for new clothing – GHG footprint
grew by 23% from 2000 to 2015
Synthetics are toxic in waste streams and incineration
< 1% of clothes are made with recycled material and many are made of plastic derivatives
Textile Facts
Solana Center is focused on practical solutions to textile waste. Our education initiatives help consumers understand their role in the textile cycle, as well as how to be part of the solution. From choosing natural fibers, investing in high quality garments, thrifting, repurposing, and upcycling to repairing garments and household goods each of us can have an impact on diverting textile waste from our landfills, international dump sites, and conservation areas.
Our Annual Zero Waste Textile Expo in Encinitas offers the local community a free event where they can learn about the urgent need to move towards more sustainable models in fashion, connect with sustainable vendors, participate in a clothing swap, shop with local makers, repair textiles, and upcycle discarded scraps into crafts. This unique gathering demonstrates circularity in action.
Consumer Textile Waste Education
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This mobile event provides an opportunity for participants to engage with textile education, clothing swaps, mending, and upcycling textiles. Solana Center works to attract over 50 people per event.
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In this hands-on workshop, participants bring natural fiber clothing that needs new life. Clothing is upcycled using natural dyes. Participants also learn about the environmental impact of textile waste and get waste prevention tips. This event accommodates up to 40 participants.
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This engaging workshop is an opportunity for participants to connect and swap used clothing. It also provides education on reducing textile waste. Our clothing shop maintains a “the more, the merrier” policy to encourage community connection and education.
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Presentation on textile waste prevention and actionable take aways.
Interested in Zero Waste Textile events, education, and/or presentations?
We offer pop-up events and educational booths for local jurisdictions, lunch and learn presentations for corporate teams, and workshops for groups, including clothing swaps, natural dyeing, and education.
Reach out to our staff to learn more at education@solanacenter.org or complete the form below.
In the News
CBS 8: California enacts landmark textile recycling law to curb landfill waste, January 2025
“I learned how much waste and contamination and all the problems that fast fashion brings to the world and wanted to be part of the solution.”
— Founder of Muxu Creations, sustainable fashion vendor at 2025 Textile Waste event