As countries prepare to meet this month to work on the first global agreement to end plastic pollution, the perspectives of South Asia must be heard loud and clear.
Instead of passing on old and unwanted clothes to charity stores, consumers should re-direct the items to fast fashion companies that should pay for the waste they generate and fund research on new recycling technologies.
The garment industry has powered Bangladesh's economy and put more people to work than any other sector, especially women, in the last 40 years. But it has taken a heavy toll on women's mental and physical welfare.
Mauritius and Bangladesh are negotiating an agreement that could put an end to bonded labour once and for all, writes Cindy Berman from the Ethical Trading Initative.