Problem Statement:

The fashion industry has witnessed significant growth over the years. However, the fast-paced consumption comes at a high cost to the environment. The production and disposal of textiles contribute to extensive waste generation and environmental degradation. Textile waste is a pressing issue that needs urgent attention. The traditional linear model of "take-make-dispose" prevalent in the fashion industry has resulted in overflowing landfills and pollution of natural resources. According to recent reports, millions of tons of textile waste are generated globally each year, with only a fraction being recycled or reused. In Nigeria, this problem is particularly severe, with a significant percentage of fabric scraps and other pieces of clothing ending up in landfills, streets, and water bodies. This waste not only pollutes the environment but also poses health hazards to the communities where it is dumped. By adopting a circular economy approach, Second Stitch aims to minimize waste by designing products that can be recycled, repaired, or up-cycled at the end of their lifecycle.

What is the project's target group? What is the project's proposed solution?

The Second Stitch project is an innovative initiative aimed at promoting sustainable fashion and addressing the challenges of textile waste. The main objective of the project is to reduce fabric waste within our communities while simultaneously creating economic opportunities and empowering local communities. By transforming fabric scraps and unwanted clothing into beautiful and sustainable fashion products, the aim is to revolutionize the fashion industry and promote a circular economy.

What are the hub activities for this project?

1. Research and Planning

2. Infrastructure Setup and Outreach

3. Fabric Collection and Recycling

4. Skill Training and Product Development

5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Expansion

What are the project short and long-term goals?

1. Reduction of textile waste and pollution through the reuse and recycling of fabric scraps.

2. Promotion of circularity and environmental consciousness in the textile industry.

3. Increased utilisation of fabric scraps in the production of new products.

4. Enhanced collaboration between various stakeholders in the textile sector.

5. Creation of economic opportunities through the establishment of a social entrepreneurship project.