A newly introduced California bill could be the next best way to combat the effects of fast fashion.
The Responsible Textile Recovery Act, or Bill SB 707, is a proposed bill requiring “a producer of apparel or textiles” to Join a “producer responsibility program.” This responsibility to the program would need to be approved by the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery. The bill was authored by Senator Josh Newman in response to the rising levels of waste in California’s landfills caused by fast fashion brands like Temu and Shein.
“SB 707 isn’t just about recycling; it’s about transforming the way we think about textile waste,” said Newman in a statement. “The framework created by SB 707 will create new opportunities for every Californian to participate in a more sustainable future.”
This bill builds upon the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989, which targets the recycling of waste products like carpets, mattresses, and pharmaceutical and sharps waste.
“By 2030, convenient drop-off locations for used textiles across the state will provide everyone with a free and simple way to be part of the solution. California is again at the forefront of innovation, proving we can lead the way in creating a circular and sustainable textile economy that benefits everyone,” Newman continued.
The negatives of the Fast Fashion industry have become more apparent as the years go by. This branch of the fashion industry has taken a physical toll not only on the workers who produce it but also on the environment. According to a report by Earth.org, fashion production produces 10% of global carbon emissions. Wrse yet by 2030, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change fears that apparel and textile emissions could rise by 60% by 2030.
Bills like SB 707 could be a solution in combating these concerning figures. Hopefully, if this bill passes, states across the United States will pick up similar bills to combat Fast Fashion’s ecological impact.
