KBRN, Surabaya: As Eid al-Fitr approaches, the tradition of buying new clothes remains deeply ingrained in Indonesian society. However, behind this celebratory enthusiasm lies a growing concerns over the rising fashion waste and its harmful impact on the environment.

Maria Nala Damayanti, a lecturer in the Textile and Fashion Design Program at Petra Christian University (PCU), acknowledges that this tradition isn't inherently wrong, but it requires a mindful approach.

"Eid al-Fitr is a moment for spiritual and emotional renewal, and new clothes symbolize that," she told RRI on Saturday, March 29, 2025, as reported by rri.co.id.

However, she cautions that excessive purchasing of new clothes can lead to a pileup of garments, ultimately contributing to fashion waste. This waste poses a serious problem due to the difficulty in decomposing and recycling many clothing materials.

"The fashion industry is the second-largest contributor to waste after plastics. Many cheap materials are difficult to break down, placing a heavy burden on the environment," she explained.

As a solution, Maria encourages the public to adopt the YONO (You Only Need One) concept when shopping for Eid clothes. This concept emphasizes the importance of choosing quality over quantity, which can effectively reduce fashion waste.

"We can combine old clothes with a bit of creativity. Similar colors or new combinations can create a fresh look without excessive shopping," she suggested.

By taking these simple steps, people can still celebrate Eid al-Fitr meaningfully without adding to the environmental burden. ***