The US company SkyFi, which specializes in accessing satellite Earth observation data, has recently captured from space a striking image of a huge accumulation of clothing in the Atacama Desert in Chile. This image, taken at a high resolution of 50 centimeters, was obtained for a cost of $44.
The pile of discarded clothes, coming from so-called “fast fashion,” is located in the driest desert in the world. The size of this mountain of waste reveals the true magnitude of the environmental pollution problem, which is now visible from space.
This visual testimony emphasizes the urgent need for change in the fashion industry. To better understand the dimension of the problem, it is useful to compare the size of this garbage, considered the largest on the planet, with the city of Alto Hospicio, which is at the bottom of the image. According to previous research cited by BioBioChile, the United States, Asia, and Europe are mainly responsible for the clothing waste found in this landfill.
The image captured by SkyFi highlights the need to address the problem of fast fashion and its negative impact on the environment. The massive accumulation of discarded clothing in the Atacama Desert is a clear sign that significant changes are needed in the way clothing is produced, consumed and disposed of. It is essential to adopt more sustainable and responsible practices in the fashion industry to reduce waste generation and preserve our natural environment.