Summary of the interview:

The interviewee explains that their primary method for managing unused clothing is through direct donation to individuals who can benefit from the items. They prefer this personal approach over donating to formal organizations or charities and report doing so about twice a year. The participant expresses a high level of confidence in their process, stating they have never felt confused or disoriented when deciding what to discard. Their decision-making process is based on a simple quality assessment where items in good condition are given away, while those in poor condition are thrown away.

Regarding the social and environmental aspects of clothing waste, the participant acknowledges that giving garments a second life is a positive practice for the environment. However, they do not believe that clothing disposal is a significant social issue that requires public education or specialized tools. In their view, the tendency to accumulate clothes is more of a personal difficulty in letting go of possessions rather than a lack of guidance. Consequently, they feel that society does not need to be formally educated on this topic, as the current informal methods of disposal are sufficient.

Audio of the interview in spanish

Transcript of the interview:

Interviewer: Hello, my name is Mateo, and I would like to understand what people in Bogotá do with their old or discarded clothes. This is for the purpose of identifying problems that residents face which do not yet have a solution. For this reason, I would like to interview you and record the conversation. Do you give your consent for your responses to be recorded?

Interviewee: I authorize it.

Interviewer: Perfect, let's begin. What do you do with the clothes that you don't use or that are in your way? In what way do you get rid of your old or unused clothing?

Interviewee: Normally, what I do with the clothes that are in my way or that I don't use is give them away to people who might be able to use them.

Interviewer: OK, I see. But let's say, have you ever had any experience donating those clothes to an organization, like a charity, or is it more of an individual thing?

Interviewee: I never do it through an organization; I give them directly to people who I believe can use them better than I can.

Interviewer: I understand. And more or less how often do you face this issue of getting rid of clothes?

Interviewee: It's not that frequent—usually months or years. We could be talking about, I don't know, once every six months, or twice a year.

Interviewer: I see. And do you feel satisfied with the ways in which you have disposed of your clothes?

Interviewee: Yes, I feel satisfied.

Interviewer: Understood. Have you ever felt lost or confused when deciding what to do with the clothes you want to get rid of?

Interviewee: No, sir. I have been clear from the start about what I’m going to do with the clothes I don't use.

Interviewer: Right. Do you think there is a lack of education or tools to guide people on what to do with their unused or old clothing? That there is a lack of guidance?

Interviewee: Well, there are people who are hoarders and perhaps they feel that they don't have "extra" clothes or that they won't stop using them; they think that at some point they might use them again, so they keep them. So, I don't know if it’s a lack of culture or rather a lack of being able to let go of things.

Interviewer: Well, but the question is more general: do you think education is needed, yes or no, or is it not a relevant problem?

Interviewee: I believe it is not a relevant problem for society, and therefore, people should not be educated on this topic.

Interviewer: I see, I see. Do you consider that clothing donation should be part of the cycle for unused garments?

Interviewee: Yes, I think it contributes to the planet. I believe giving second chances to the garments one uses—which are surely in good condition on many occasions and can be worn—also contributes to the environment.

Interviewer: And do you have any specific criteria to decide whether the clothes are donated or thrown away?

Interviewee: The criteria I use is: if it’s in good condition and someone else can use it, I donate it; if it’s in very, very bad shape, I prefer to throw it away.

Interviewer: Understood. Thank you very much for your time.

Interviewee: You’re welcome, young man.