As the world watches Vice President Kamala Harris potentially make history as the first female President of the United States, her style choices may soon carry even more weight. Known for her understated, monochromatic pantsuits and practical footwear, Harris’s fashion reflects her values—particularly her commitment to sustainability and climate action.
Leading with Sustainable Fashion
Vice President Harris has long championed the fight against climate change, calling it “one of the most urgent matters of our time.” Her consistent advocacy includes casting the tie-breaking vote for the historic Inflation Reduction Act and supporting various environmental initiatives throughout her career.
Given her dedication to sustainability, the question arises: will a “President Kamala Harris” incorporate these values into her fashion choices? The fashion industry’s environmental impact is staggering, with the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) highlighting several critical issues:
- Massive Waste: The equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes is burned or dumped into landfills every second, contributing to immense waste and environmental degradation.
- Carbon Emissions: The fashion industry is responsible for between 8 and 10% of global carbon emissions—more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined.
- Water Usage: The industry consumes about 93 billion cubic meters of water annually, exacerbating water scarcity in regions already facing significant shortages.
- Microfiber Pollution: Approximately 500,000 tons of microfibers are released into the ocean every year from washing clothes, polluting marine ecosystems and harming aquatic life.
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Kerry Bannigan, a veteran sustainable fashion advocate and Managing Director of the PVBLIC Foundation, emphasized the human cost of the fashion industry’s practices, noting that the women (almost entirely women) working in apparel industry sweatshops are often not paid a living wage. Bannigan’s insights highlight the need for a shift toward more ethical and sustainable fashion practices.
A New Standard for Presidential Fashion
If Harris were to embrace sustainable fashion as President, she could set a powerful example, encouraging the fashion industry to reduce its environmental footprint. Designers have already risen to the challenge for other celebrities, crafting eco-friendly outfits for events like the Earthshot Prize and the UN climate conference.
By choosing sustainable clothing, Harris could use her platform to further her environmental goals, making a statement that aligns with her advocacy for urgent climate action. As her influence grows, her fashion choices could serve as a bold reflection of her commitment to a sustainable future.
In the end, as she potentially steps into the role of President, all eyes will be on how Kamala Harris not only leads the country but also how she uses fashion as a tool to champion her values—especially those centered on protecting the planet.
Related Article: Governor Tim Walz: A Profile Through the Lens of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
