‘In France, we have no petrol, but we have ideas.” So goes a popular French saying born in the 1970s during the oil crisis. Said differently, France excels in unconventional initiatives that can be seen as both admirable and somewhat pointless. The French government has recently introduced the “repair bonus” as part of its ongoing efforts to promote eco-friendliness. Instead of discarding torn trousers, bags with broken straps, or moth-eaten polo necks, individuals can now have these items repaired at local cobblers or sewing workshops with the state covering the cost. This program will be available from October onwards and will run for the next five years, allowing people to reclaim between €6-€25 for each clothing or shoe repair carried out by participating artisans.
The aim is to initiate a virtuous circle, encouraging sustainable habits for the sake of the planet (considering that 700,000 tonnes of clothing end up in landfills in France every year), supporting local artisans, and potentially generating employment opportunities in the emerging “refashion” sector. Three years ago, a similar initiative urged individuals to repair their old toasters or faulty washing machines instead of discarding them in frustration. Legislators even compelled companies to adopt a “repairability index” for their products, enabling consumers to make informed choices about the ease or difficulty of repairing new household appliances.
I understand the significance of every small step in our collective endeavor to reduce carbon footprint, especially considering the fashion industry’s substantial environmental impact. However, it is disheartening to realize that we require governmental intervention to remind us of the most basic principles of life, such as repairing instead of impulsively discarding. Have we, as a nation, forgotten our mothers, grandmothers, and aunts knitting clothes, mending socks and trousers while watching television, or sewing household linens using old Singer machines? Can we not recall wearing hand-me-down clothes from older siblings? I still vividly remember the satisfaction of seeing through the worn-out fabric of a pair of jeans, as it signified the opportunity to either buy a new pair or even better, find a unique vintage denim piece at the Paris flea markets. It was considered cool and eco-friendly long before the term “eco-friendly” was even coined.
I can still vividly recall the dawn of fast food and fast fashion in the 1980s, and I am not that old. It was an exhilarating experience, as it offered a new way of life: affordable, speedy, and seemingly devoid of consequences. However, the excitement was short-lived as we became aware of the exploitation of children in Asia producing polyester garments in massive quantities, along with the overwhelming sight of landfill sites overflowing with discarded textiles. Similarly, the illusion of a fat-free industry was shattered.
Let us now refocus our efforts and go a step further! It is imperative for President Macron to engage with influential figures like Musk and Zuckerberg, urging them to promote the “old is cool” mindset across social media platforms. Fashion enthusiasts under the age of 40 will appreciate the virtue signaling associated with a patched elbow, as it aligns with their favorite pastime. As for those of us over 40, it would mark a welcomed return to common sense. Additionally, instead of subsidizing repairs, I urge the French government to incorporate sewing, cutting, knitting, and garment repair skills into the curriculum of every school, for both boys and girls alike. This will ensure that the next generation embraces the memories of their grandfathers and fathers darning socks while watching Call My Agent!.
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