Fast fashion is overwhelming Maryland with an alarming amount of textile waste, generating approximately 434 million pounds annually. Our communities are unjustly burdened with the environmental and financial consequences of this flood of discarded clothing. Textiles that have the potential to be reused, repaired, or recycled instead find their way into landfills and incinerators, leading to pollution of our air, soil, and waterways. This not only harms our environment but also places an undue financial strain on our local waste management systems.

The demand for a cleaner, more sustainable Maryland is clear. Implementing Textile Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a critical step in the right direction. This policy would require fashion manufacturers and retailers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, ensuring that they contribute to the cost of the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of textile waste. By adopting EPR, we can incentivize companies to create more sustainable fashion products and reduce their environmental impact.

Several regions around the globe have already witnessed the positive impacts of EPR policies on waste reduction and resource recovery. In France, for instance, the introduction of EPR has successfully increased clothing collection rates, fostering a circular economy that benefits both the planet and the economy.

By supporting Textile EPR, Maryland would not only address the persistent problem of textile waste but also champion innovation in sustainable fashion practices. This policy has the potential to transform the industry, leading to job creation in recycling and reused materials sectors and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

Now is the time to act and ensure a softer, safer Maryland for current residents and future generations. We urge Maryland legislators to adopt Textile Extended Producer Responsibility as a key component of our state’s environmental strategy.

Please sign this petition to show your support for a sustainable future and demand action on this pressing issue. Together, we can make a significant difference in reducing textile waste in Maryland.