4 months ago
3
0
Posted On: July 12th 2026, 07:20 pm
Photo series from Accra, Ghana, 2026
Exported Responsibility, Escaping Perception
In the European Union, around 6.9 million tonnes of textile waste accumulate every year. A significant share of this waste leaves Europe, disappearing from public view. Materials that are considered reusable or still functional are shipped to sites such as Agbogbloshie, where they are sorted into items of value and waste.
This process generates not only recoverable materials but also highly toxic pollutants, including dioxins, heavy metals, and fine particulate matter. These contaminants enter the air, soil, and water, leaving lasting environmental and human consequences.
A system emerges in which ecological and health consequences remain locally in Ghana. Responsibility is externalized, while the foundations of global consumption continue to be stabilized.
Exported Responsibility, Escaping Perception
In the European Union, around 6.9 million tonnes of textile waste accumulate every year. A significant share of this waste leaves Europe, disappearing from public view. Materials that are considered reusable or still functional are shipped to sites such as Agbogbloshie, where they are sorted into items of value and waste.
This process generates not only recoverable materials but also highly toxic pollutants, including dioxins, heavy metals, and fine particulate matter. These contaminants enter the air, soil, and water, leaving lasting environmental and human consequences.
A system emerges in which ecological and health consequences remain locally in Ghana. Responsibility is externalized, while the foundations of global consumption continue to be stabilized.
More posts
