Each year, it seems the holiday shopping season starts earlier and earlier. We’re all familiar with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, but Rachel Van Metre Kibbe, CEO of American Circular Textiles (ACT), is encouraging shoppers to think sustainably this Secondhand Sunday.
ACT is an organization advocating for responsible fashion industry oversight and circular business models to address textile waste, which is currently America’s fastest growing waste stream. ACT promotes policies and practices supporting reuse, recycling and sustainable design while working to create domestic jobs and improve environmental outcomes through education, infrastructure development and standardized definitions for circularity in fashion.
We interviewed Kibbe to compile everything both holiday shoppers and sustainability advocates alike need to know this holiday season.
What are some common misconceptions of circular fashion and shopping secondhand that need to be dispelled?
There’s a big misconception that clothing recycling is widely available — it’s not. Recycling clothing at scale isn’t something the public or most businesses can do yet. If we want to make it a reality, we need to educate lawmakers to support legislation that builds that infrastructure.
Another misconception is that recycling is the first step when it comes to circularity. It’s not — reuse is. And reuse is something we can all participate in right now. If we want a future where walking into any store and finding used goods is the norm, we need to get politically active to push for that vision.
Looking back over the 118th Congress, which of ACT’s accomplishments are you most proud of, and what are your goals for the 119th?
We really set the stage this Congress for what’s to come. Through the Americas Act, we contributed to the first federal bill to include incentives for reuse and recycling — an historic milestone.
Looking ahead, we plan to build on that success. We’ll continue pushing for circular economy incentives, particularly tied to leveraging de minimis reform to fund incentive programs as outlined in the Americas Act. Additionally, we’ll expand our focus on additional reforms that can support circular textiles and domestic manufacturing while deepening our collaboration with all parts of government to amplify circular textiles and ensure we are top of mind in conversation as various policies and programs are developed or maintained.
Any advice to individuals or organizations looking to get involved in advocacy?
I’m biased, but I think having a strong business background before diving into advocacy is incredibly helpful. It gives you perspective on what’s practical versus what’s idealistic.
There’s a reason so many policies fall flat — they’re well-intentioned but completely unrealistic to implement. (Looking at you, some of those misguided state environmental bills!) The key is understanding feasibility and building from there. Bonus tip: If you can make policy work as functional as a business plan, you’ll go far.
Who in the fashion industry is doing cool work in the circular or sustainable space?
Don’t make me choose a favorite! I represent over 30 companies, all of whom are doing groundbreaking work in their own areas. The truth is, it’s not about one solution or the “coolest” innovation. Circularity requires every business to transition to a different way of monetizing, and that’s going to look different for each one. Under our capitalist system, diversity in approaches is key.
Any tips for sustainable and secondhand shoppers this holiday season?
Shop secondhand. Just do it. Seriously — your family and friends will either love it, or you’ll spark a great conversation. Who knows? It might even turn into a holiday tradition.