Uma análise etnográfica sobre a trajectória e o impacto ambiental da roupa usada na cidade de Maputo

Abstract

This work analyzes the trajectory of used clothing in the city of Maputo, based on an ethnographic investigation that began in the informal market of Xipamanine and followed various locations where these items are discarded, such as drainage ditches, garbage containers, and several streets in the neighborhoods of Maputo. The problem addressed in this study arises from the fact that the literature analyzed states that the use of second-hand clothing contributes to environmental sustainability. However, observing the trajectories of used clothing in Maputo raises questions about environmental pollution in the city. The research data allowed us to understand that used clothing discarded on the streets contributes to the worsening of the accumulation of solid waste in public spaces and to the clogging of gutters and sewers, which has contributed to worsening the occurrence of urban floods that in turn damage homes and other property. When buried in garbage pits, on dirt roads, it reduces the capacity of the soil to absorb rainwater and other water, contributing to the accumulation of stagnant water, which in turn attracts pests, in addition to contributing to soil and groundwater contamination. In open-air landfills, discarded used clothing contributes to the accumulation of waste that is difficult to decompose and destroy, which contributes to prolonging environmental degradation in the areas where these landfills are located. Based on the results of this research, I consider that, while on the one hand, we can consider that the export of used clothing to Mozambique, both from Europe and other industrialized countries, contributes to its environmental sustainability, on the other hand, the analysis of the trajectories of these clothes in Maputo allows us to observe an aggravation of environmental pollution.(TRADUÇAO NOSSA)