Every year, millions of tons of clothing end up in landfills across the U.S. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in 2018 alone, about 11.3 million tons of textile waste were generated. This is not only an environmental issue, but it also reflects a major socio-economic problem. When perfectly usable clothes are discarded, we are effectively wasting valuable resources and contributing to pollution, while countless individuals and families are struggling with clothing insecurity.

We are two 13-year-old girls from Quabbin Regional Middle School, and we are working on a bill that would make it illegal to throw away clothing in the United States. While we know that Massachusetts has already implemented a law to prevent clothing waste, extending this nationwide policy could significantly help address clothing insecurity and its related challenges.

We're very passionate about this issue. We both volunteer for Project 351 and Crayons to Crayons, which are non-profit organizations in Massachusetts that help reduce clothing insecurity. One way we volunteered was to run a massive clothing drive. This clothing drive was such a success, and many people who donated stated that before the law went into place in Massachusetts, they would just throw their old clothes away, but now, since the law is in place, they donate their clothing to kids in need, which has helped lower the rate of clothing insecurity. 

Statistics show that approximately 95% of textiles can be recycled or reused. By preventing clothing disposal, we could ensure that these items are redirected to those in need or recycled into new products.  2 in 5 children in America struggle with clothing insecurity. By reducing clothing waste, we could help provide these children with the clothing they need.

We believe that if you support our initiative, you can help lead the country towards a more sustainable and equitable future. We admire your commitment to issues that affect our nation, and we hope that you will consider our proposal seriously.

We appreciate your attention to this important matter, and we look forward to your support in making clothing waste illegal!

Sincerely,  
Zoey Salvadore
Lauren Colleton
Quabbin Regional Middle School  
8th Grade