One in every four fashion items Hongkongers buy online not worn more than two times before being thrown away, poll shows
Greenpeace East Asia urges consumers consider if they really need item before they purchase as Singles’ Day shopping event approaches
Out of every four fashion items that shopping-crazed Hongkongers buy online – mostly at rock bottom prices – at least one will be worn no more than two times before being thrown out, a survey by an environmental group revealed ahead of Singles’ Day this Saturday.
The most cited reasons were poor quality, wrong fit and the product looking different from what they expected, according to Greenpeace East Asia.
The group warned that such impulsive habits were leading to the disposal of 5.8 million garments every year, a large number of them destined for the tip.
“Because prices are so low, people don’t think carefully and just buy. They keep getting duped, but because the items are so cheap, they don’t mind and keep buying and buying, fuelling the vicious circle,” Greenpeace campaigner Walton Li said. “Sure, the cost of regret is low, but the environment is footing the bill, and these costs are high.”
With the Singles’ Day online shopping bonanza just around the corner, the group is making a plea to Hongkongers to think more carefully about whether they need so many clothes.
Every November 11, merchants on Taobao and Tmall.com, both owned by the Alibaba Group, offer huge discounts to spur sales across the mainland.