Celeste’s H&M hack of trading old clothes for money off vouchers has received mixed reactions, with some praising the environmentally friendly initiative and others claiming it is greenwashing.

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the environmental impact of fast fashion and the need for more sustainable practices within the industry. H&M, one of the world’s largest fashion retailers, has been at the forefront of this movement, implementing various initiatives to encourage customers to recycle their old clothes.

One such initiative is H&M’s “Let’s Close The Loop” program, which encourages shoppers to donate their old clothes to be recycled or reused. According to H&M’s website, donated clothes are sorted into three categories: those that are still wearable are marketed as second-hand clothing, while those that are not suitable for rewear are turned into other products such as remake collections or cleaning cloths. The remaining clothes and textiles are shredded into textile fibers and used for insulation materials or energy recovery.

Celeste’s hack involves donating bags of old clothes to H&M and receiving money off vouchers in return. In her social media post, she showed herself and her mother donating the clothes at the H&M counter and later revealed the 20 vouchers they received. They then went on a shopping spree at the store, leaving with bags of new clothes.

While some viewers were impressed with Celeste’s hack and praised H&M for the initiative, others were skeptical. Some accused H&M of greenwashing, claiming that the company does not actually donate or recycle the donated clothes but disposes of them in other ways. They suggested that it would be better to donate clothes to shelters or thrift stores instead.

H&M has faced criticism in the past over greenwashing allegations, with some questioning the effectiveness of their sustainability initiatives. The company has responded to these claims, stating that they are categorically opposed to clothes becoming waste and assuring customers that the clothes left in their textile collection bins are handled responsibly.

The debate surrounding H&M’s sustainability initiatives and their impact on the environment is ongoing. While the company’s efforts to encourage clothes recycling are commendable, it is important for consumers to be critical and informed about the true environmental impact of their actions. Donating clothes to H&M may provide money off vouchers for new purchases, but it is crucial to consider other options such as donating to shelters or thrift stores, which may have a more direct and positive impact on those in need.