We have talked about this before but let us remind you, the fashion industry accounts for up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations. A very worrying number that needs to change.

For a long time we’ve been waiting for some action from politicians. Of course, we as consumers can always do our part, thrift, buy pre-loved, rent, borrow from friends, swap, etc. there are so many ways to act sustainably as a consumer but we can’t turn the fashion industry into a greener and healthier place without some bigger power, politicians.

So, what is happening right now is a suggestion for a new law for fashion brands with more than $100 million in revenues, doing business in New York. This regards companies ranging from low to high, to name a few: H&M, Boohoo, Shein, LVMH, Prada and Armani. The fashion act was introduced back in October and It requires clothing companies to be transparent about at least 50% of their supply chain, identifying adverse impacts from greenhouse gas emissions and water and chemical use. These brands would have to set up targets and strict goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption across their whole supply chains. They would also be required to come forward on how much and what type of materials their suppliers produce annually and the amount of recycled materials used.

They would also have to report the working conditions and wages paid by their suppliers and how that pay compares to local minimum wages and living wages. About time, if you ask us!

Let’s say this new suggestion of legislation gets accepted and inscribed in the lawbook, companies who won’t show nor meet the new guidelines within 12 months (and 18 months for their impact disclosures), they would be fined up to 2% of their annual revenues. Those fines would go to a new Community Fund administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation and used for environmental justice projects. The New York attorney general would also publish an annual list of companies found to be noncompliant.

If this genius law gets approved, New York will without any doubts become the forerunner of sustainable fashion and will most likely inspire the rest of the world to follow its footsteps.

New York, we are rooting for you!

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