Used clothing and sustainability

Oct 6

Ukay-ukay, a well-known Filipino term, pertains to the sale of imported second-hand clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories. It's cherished for the thrill of discovering the perfect outfit amidst racks of used garments and the cost savings compared to purchasing brand-new clothes.

Back in the 1950s, the Philippines enacted RA 4635, which prohibited the commercial importation of used textiles. The primary motivation behind this law was safeguarding public health and preserving the nation's dignity by rejecting discarded items from other nations.

However, although precise data on the disposal of Ukay-ukay clothing is unavailable, the excessive importation of second-hand garments may result in more unsold clothing ending up in landfills.

Should we continue to support the presence of Ukay-ukay stores?