In an effort to combat the climate crisis, France is offering a clothing repairs “bonus”.
The French government has announced its latest measure to address the climate crisis: from October 2023, people can avail of a clothing repair “bonus”.
Further to tackling the environmental problems caused by the fashion industry, the French government also hopes that the clothing repair scheme will boost the local economy and create more jobs in the country.
The problem – fast fashion
In addition to its problems of worker exploitation and animal cruelty, fast fashion is one of the most significant contributors to global pollution. Its use of toxic dyes, synthetic fibres, and pesticides accounts for its harm to the environment.
One way to tackle fast fashion is to repair clothing when possible. Unfortunately, few people comply with this and would rather buy a new item of clothing that is almost invariably made using the same dyes and fibres.
In fact, over 100 billion textiles (clothing, shoes, and household linen) are sold worldwide every year. In France, this amounts to roughly 10.5 kg per person per year.
Furthermore, about 700,000 tonnes of clothing is discarded annually in France, two-thirds of which ends up in landfill.
The solution – France subsidising clothing repairs
France seeks to find a solution to the fast fashion problem through a clothing “repair bonus” announced by secretary of state for ecology, Bérangère Couillard.
The French government will make available a €154 million fund from which people can claim between €6 and €25 towards the cost of clothing repairs in participating workshops and cobblers.
The aim of the “repair bonus” is twofold: not only will it tackle the problems posed by fast fashion, but it will also boost the local economy by helping small independent businesses and creating new jobs. “The goal is to support those who carry out repairs,” Couillard said.
France – tackling the climate crisis
On top of the clothing repair subsidisations, France will also require clothing and textile retailers to label items with the materials used and their origin. It is the latest in a series of measures introduced by the French government to combat the climate crisis.
In addition to an ongoing educational and informational campaign, the country introduced a similar subsidisation scheme for the repair of household appliances and recently banned short haul flights.
As of 2022, all public buildings must have a water fountain to encourage the use of reusable bottles. Meanwhile, the beginning of 2023 saw a ban on restaurants with more than 20 seats offering disposable plates, cups, and cutlery.
France will also introduce further restrictions on plastic packaging and products containing microplastics over the next three years.