For the first time ever, the United States government will have a caucus focused solely on fashion. Initiated by Maine Representative Chellie Pingree (D-M.E.), the Slow Fashion Caucus will center its efforts on legislation addressing textile waste, labor issues in fashion, and the industry’s contribution to climate change. Other members of the caucus include Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.), Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), and Jared Huffman (D-Calif.).

Over the past five years, global advocates have pushed for more legislation related to garment worker pay, recycling, supply chain transparency, and more. The Slow Fashion Caucus aims to build on these efforts by promoting policies that support sustainable and ethical practices in the fashion industry. By addressing key issues such as textile waste and fair labor practices, the caucus seeks to create a more responsible and environmentally friendly fashion landscape.

The formation of the Slow Fashion Caucus marks a critical step towards transforming the fashion industry. With continued advocacy and legislative action, there is hope for a future where fashion is not only stylish but also ethical and sustainable.

The Slow Fashion Caucus is founded on several key principles designed to support a circular economy for textiles. One of these principles involves incentivizing the reuse, repair, and recycling of textiles. Although the apparel industry significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, it also has the potential to be part of the solution. Public policies that encourage second-hand purchases or participation in rental models can promote environmentally friendly practices among both companies and consumers, according to a press release from Chellie Pingree’s office.

Another principle emphasizes the development of circular economy policies to prevent textiles from becoming waste by designing products that can be reused, repaired, and recycled. These policies are crucial for reducing natural resource consumption within the apparel industry.