September 30, 2024
Dear President Biden,
As a member of the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles (SMART) Association, an international trade association representing the diverse and dynamic textile recycling industry, I am requesting your administration prioritize open dialogue and negotiation among all stakeholders to prevent a port closure. As you are aware, discussions surrounding potential port strikes are looming, and I want to underscore the critical role our industry plays in this nation's economic fabric.
SMART members are vital to reusing and recycling textiles and recovering materials that would otherwise contribute to landfill waste. By doing so, we create thousands of jobs worldwide and generate substantial economic opportunities. However, any disruptions at our ports could jeopardize this progress, hampering the flow of materials essential for our operations and threatening the livelihoods of many families who depend on our industry.
The ports serve as crucial arteries for trade, facilitating the import and export of textiles and secondary materials that support the textile recycling sector and a broader spectrum of industries reliant on these resources. A strike would not only lead to delays and increased costs but also hinder our collective efforts towards sustainable practices and environmental stewardship—values that align closely with your administration's goals.
We urge your administration to prioritize open dialogue and negotiation among all stakeholders to prevent a port closure. Swift, decisive action is needed to ensure that our ports remain operational, thus safeguarding jobs and fostering economic growth in an industry that champions both profitability and social responsibility.
SMART believes in the power of collaboration to navigate these challenges. Together, we can work towards solutions that benefit all parties involved, including the millions of consumers who rely on the affordability and accessibility of recycled textiles. Let us join forces to protect not only our economic interests but also our commitment to a sustainable future.
Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter. We appreciate your leadership and look forward to your proactive measures in addressing this potential crisis.
Sincerely,
Brian London
President, SMART
About SMART
SMART is continuously working to educate and engage the public and local government officials about the importance of increasing clothing and textile reuse and recycling. The benefit of these educational outreach and engagement efforts is gaining momentum throughout the nation.
Established in 1932, SMART is a recycling-based, international, nonprofit trade association comprised of for profit used clothing, wiping material and fiber industry companies. SMART members use and convert recycled and secondary materials from used clothing, commercial laundries and nonwoven, off spec material, new mill ends and paper from around the world. SMART member companies are committed to the “green” way of life.
SMART Leadership and its members are working to bring textile recycling into a circular economy. SMART members continually trumpet their message to the donating and recycling public by encouraging them to “Donate, Recycle, Don’t Throw Away.”
