The French Government has announced the launch of a scheme convincing people to mend their clothes instead of discarding and buying new ones.
Jr. Ecology Minister, Bérangère Couillard, complained that 700,000 tonnes of clothing end up in the country's landfill on a yearly basis, which is why she is urging all sewing workshops and shoemakers to join the system.
The bonus scheme will offer a rebate of seven euros for a new heel and €10 to €25 for new lining in a jacket, skirt or other garment, with the government contributing €154m to fund the bonus over five years, to support the repair sector and create new jobs.
Although this shows the government's commitment to tackling fast fashion, only some are impressed with the approach. Right-wing Republican MP, Eric Pauget, complained that the government already has a €3tn debt and should stop throwing the French public's money out of the window.
In the coming new year, January 2024, the government will also establish new manufacturing label rules describing the environmental impact of all new clothing items, from the amount of water consumption and chemical usage to the risk of microplastic emissions.
