Vogue

A New Piece of Legislation Could Make New York a Leader in Sustainable Fashion

Today, New York is taking a big step in that direction with The Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act. Introduced by The New Standard Institute and sponsored by senator Alessandra Biaggi and assembly member Dr. Anna Kelles, the bill proposes that any apparel or footwear brand selling in New York with a global revenue of at least $100 million should be required to set and achieve Science Based Targets; to provide clear, transparent reporting on its energy, greenhouse gas emissions, water, plastic, and chemical management; and to perform mandatory due diligence to avoid labor abuses. Should the bill be passed, failure to meet these requirements would result in a fine of 2% of a brand’s annual revenue, with the funds being directed to environmental justice organizations like UPROSE.