It’s possible. While some donated clothing is resold locally through thrift stores and charities, a large portion of what can’t be sold — often due to quality, seasonality, or surplus — is bundled and exported to countries in the Global South. In fact, Canada is one of the top exporters of used textiles globally.

Once overseas, some of these garments are sold in secondhand markets, but many end up in landfills, informal dumpsites, or burned — creating environmental and social challenges for receiving countries. That’s why it’s so important to donate mindfully, only give clean, wearable items, and consider repair, resale, or swapping before letting go of clothing. When we extend the life of our clothes, we reduce the chances they’ll become part of the global textile waste crisis.