Recycling of Textile Waste in Small Clusters and its Contribution to the Socio-economic Upliftment of the Community

YOUR VIEWS

First Published, August 2012, Craft Revival Trust

As members of the present generation, we are both trustees of the environment with obligations to care for it for future generations, and beneficiaries entitled to use it for our own economic and social well-being. (Weiss, 1993)Introduction The economic growth in India in the last decade has led to a significant increase in the numbers that make up the middle class. The increase in disposable income, coupled with consumerism, has led to increased consumption, posing a significant challenge in the form of waste management and its consequential threat to the environment. It is the obligation of the present generation to ensure that carbon emissions are reduced and future generations suffer less from climate change. It is in this context that sustainable development in all areas of our life through the 4R's – reduce, reuse, recycle and recover – gain increased significance.This study presents the sustainability models practised across the clusters of India, where used clothing is collected and products are made to order. It further analyses the work environment of a small cluster and presents recommendations for improving the economic well-being of the community.Sustainable development Sustainable development has been articulated in an easy to comprehend form by Donella Meadows as 'Good lives for all people in harmony with nature' (Mead...