Fighting Fast Fashion: New Policies in the US and EU

New policies shaping the future of sustainable fashion in the US and EU

Jul 03, 2024

In recent years, the fast fashion industry has been under intense scrutiny for its detrimental environmental impacts and exploitation of garment workers. The United States and the European Union have introduced new policies to address these issues and create a more sustainable and equitable fashion landscape.

Let's dive into the latest efforts on both sides of the Atlantic.

The US Approach: The FABRIC Act

In the US, the FABRIC Act, introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, represents a significant step toward revolutionizing the garment industry. This legislation focuses on ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and greater transparency in the supply chain.

One of its key features is the elimination of the piece-rate pay system, which has long been a source of exploitation in the industry. Garment workers, often paid per item produced, face relentless pressure to work faster and longer hours, frequently resulting in wages below the federal minimum.

The FABRIC Act also aims to promote domestic manufacturing by establishing a $40 million support program to help local manufacturers with training, safety improvements, and workforce development. This initiative seeks to bring manufacturing back to the US, reducing reliance on overseas production and creating more jobs domestically. Read More

California has also been leading in protecting garment workers through the Garment Worker Protection Act. This legislation, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, prohibits piece-rate pay and holds fashion brands accountable for wage violations, ensuring that garment workers receive fair compensation and work in humane conditions. Read More

The EU's Bold Moves

Across the pond, the European Union is also making strides in combating fast fashion. France introduced a pioneering fashion pact endorsed by 32 major fashion and textile companies, including Adidas, H&M, and Stella McCartney.

This pact focuses on three main areas: climate, biodiversity, and ocean protection. The companies involved have committed to achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, restoring natural ecosystems, and eliminating single-use plastics. Read More

In the UK, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has recommended adopting Sweden's model of taxing chemicals in clothing to reduce environmental impact and protect both workers and consumers. Additionally, the UK government has committed to incorporating micro-fiber shedding requirements into their Resource and Waste strategy, addressing one of the significant sources of ocean pollution from textiles.

Sweden, known for its sustainability leadership, continues to set high standards by canceling Stockholm Fashion Week to focus on sustainability goals and introducing a chemical tax on clothing.

This move aims to protect the environment and protect garment workers and consumers from harmful substances.

These legislative efforts reflect a growing recognition of the need for systemic change in the fashion industry. While the cost of production may increase in the short term due to these new regulations, the long-term benefits of creating a more sustainable and equitable fashion industry are invaluable. These policies are designed to protect garment workers, reduce environmental harm, and encourage consumers to adopt more sustainable habits, such as purchasing higher-quality, longer-lasting clothing and supporting second-hand markets. Read More

As consumers become more aware of the impacts of their fashion choices, and as governments and industries take decisive action, there is hope for a future where fashion is both beautiful and sustainable.

By supporting these new policies and advocating for further reforms, we can help ensure that the clothes we wear do not harm the planet or the people who make them.

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