Many big clothing companies are terrible for the environment! The fashion industry is responsible for 5.8% of MSW generation (according to the Environmental Protection Agency in 2018) ! Many of these companies continue to increase their waste production. Did you know that so many of your favorite brands such as Urban Outfitters, Nike, Victoria’s Secret, and more all destroy their own products instead of donating it or at least discounting? They overproduce and end up thrashing so much of their inventory. In 2018, 17 million tons of clothing ended up in landfills. Some merchandise are burned, increasing carbon emissions and contributing to climate change. 

A former Nike employee reports that they were instructed to cut up several bags of unworn, perfect condition shoes and throw them away. Multiple former Urban Outfitters employees share that they were instructed to pour paint on perfectly good shoes, destroy socks, scarves, gloves, and even drill holes in their unsold vinyls. An outraged JcPenney employee told the media that the company demanded them to destroy Ralph Lauren merchandise. From blankets to shirts and sweatshirts. At Juicy Couture, employees were told to rip up tracksuits that couldn’t be sold to the company’s outlet store. Erika Kawalek, a fashion journalist, shared that a VERY high up and profitable fashion label “sent two millions worth of clothing and purses sent to the shredder.” They wanted it to be unwearable for everyone and made sure no one else benefits off their items. 

These companies would rather have their merchandise end up in landfills than the hands of those who they see as someone who cannot afford it. As of 2019, over half a million people are homeless in the United States and could really benefit from some free clothing and blankets, especially in the crucial winter climate. They don’t have much to spend and can’t afford these items. We need these companies to stop destroying perfectly good merchandise and let those in need benefit from it because it’s not only cruel but also terrible for the environment. 

By signing this petition we let them know that we care about this issue and we don't like how they are dealing with the situation. We are pressuring them to make changes. Stop filling our landfills with items others can still benefit from!