While often dismissed as just glitz and glam, the $2.5 trillion apparel industry has an enormous
environmental and social footprint as a leading: greenhouse gas emitter, user and abuser of
industrial chemicals, and exploiter of global labor, particularly women. As long as the industry
continues to operate with minimal regulation and oversight, its negative impact will grow
unabated.
As the Fashion Act website states, New York is one of the largest economies in the world, and a global fashion capital, and therefore NYC has “the opportunity –– and moral responsibility –– to hold fashion companies that sell in our market accountable to the planet and its people, and help drive global change to the industry.”
In an effort take the issue head on, the Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that holds companies accountable and levels the playing field for those already trying to do the right thing. If passed, it will establish New York as the global leader in thoughtful accountability for the fashion industry.
Environmental Powerhouses like the Sierra Club and Climate Justice Alliance, Fashion Superstars like Stella McCartney and Eileen Fisher, and Celebrities like Rosario Dawson and Leonardo DiCaprio have all signed on to the cause.
Now New York Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles, Senator Alessandra Biaggi and supporters have introduced new amendments that “clarify and strengthen” the Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act and give stakeholders more of a say. Assemblymember Kelles said in a statement, “This bill is the first of its kind and would require that clothing brands not only map their supply chain but, most critically, would hold them accountable for any inhumane labor practices and environmental footprint embedded in their supply chains.”
To find out more and add your name to the movement, visit the Fashion Act website.
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