Yesterday, I unexpectedly stepped into the moderator role for the Texworld New York City panel "Threading Policy with Sustainable Practices," pinch-hitting for the incredible Jasmin Malik Chua (so I obviously had some big, smart shoes to fill 👠).
Such a cool experience discussing the America's Act and circular textile policy with Santiago Gonzalez from Senator Michael Bennet's office and Rachel Van Metre Kibbe, CEO of ACT (American Circular Textiles), a membership organization driving circularity in the US.
Luckily, I’m well acquainted with the subject matter as an affiliate member of ACT and had a whole 4 minutes to prepare. 😅
🍦 The Scoop
The America’s Act establishes a regional trade, investment, and people-to-people partnership of countries in the Western Hemisphere to stimulate growth and integration through viable long-term private sector development, and for other purposes.
The conversation covered a lot of ground, from the bill itself to regulation in the EU, to the aptly timed inaugural fashion caucus and, of course, the broader political climate.
As Santiago so aptly stated, "The past week and a half in our national politics have been unlike anything I think any of us would have ever anticipated. Even like two weeks ago, when we decided we were doing this panel, it was not the environment that I think we thought we were going to be joining now."
💰Show me the money
Only two pages in the 219-page bill specifically address fashion and textiles, but they pack a punch with significant incentives:
- $14 Billion Boost: Grants and loans aimed at enhancing textile reuse and recycling businesses.
- Tax Incentives: 15% tax break for businesses focused on textile reuse and recycling.
- Innovation Funding: $1 billion earmarked for innovation in textile reuse and recycling.
- Public Education: $100 million dedicated to educating the public about circular practices.
Navigating the complexities of federal legislation can be daunting, and it’s not perfect, but the collaborative efforts in this panel highlight the power of coming together for a common cause. I'm so proud that Alternew is an affiliate member of American Circular Textiles, and we have a way to truly impact positive change. 💪
From Rachel: "I can't underscore enough how important it is that textile reuse and recycling is in this bill. Had we not been included in this federal bill, it is very likely textile recycling would not have been on the federal government's radar for years to come."
If you want to know why textile recycling, reuse, and repair is incredibly important to our future, check to see if you’re wearing clothes right now (and every other person on the planet). 👗👖👕
If you’re interested in how you can support, connect with American Circular Textiles to find out more! ♻️✨
Thanks Rachel & Santiago as well as Eileen Small the friendly faces in the audience Amy Rauen ( 📹 cred), Holly Carroll, Beatrice Levy, Dinelle Salvador, Sharon Silbermann, and more!