In a world dominated by fast fashion giants, where $10 sneakers and viral “hauls” fill social feeds, the resale movement is gaining traction on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers from both parties are coming together to promote a more sustainable, circular approach to shopping—one that could reshape the American retail landscape and help the planet in the process.
Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D., Calif.) and Nicole Malliotakis (R., N.Y.) are officially launching the bipartisan Recommerce Caucus. Their mission: to promote the growing recommerce economy.
Joining Kamlager-Dove and Malliotakis are representatives Kevin Mullin (D., Calif.), Hillary Scholten (D., Mich.), and Brittany Pettersen (D., Colo.), forming a coalition that aims to:
- Extend the life cycle of products
- Reduce landfill waste
- Encourage environmentally responsible commerce
- Support small sellers and entrepreneurs on digital platforms
- Promote access to popular resale apps
Tax Relief and Circular Business Incentives
Kamlager-Dove is particularly focused on reducing sales tax for secondhand items and offering tax credits to companies that adopt circular business models. “Why not do something that’s good for fashion, good for the economy and good for the environment?” she asks—a sentiment that resonates with both eco-conscious shoppers and small business owners.
Malliotakis, meanwhile, highlights the need to cut red tape for small businesses and resellers, address counterfeiting, and reduce waste. “It’s sustainable, it helps the environment, there’s less trash and you make somebody else happy,” she explains.
Why Now?
This legislative push comes at a time when tariffs on imported goods are disrupting supply chains and driving up costs for retailers and consumers alike. As a result, American consumers are thinking more critically about where their goods come from and how much they’re willing to pay for new versus secondhand items.
A recent report found that 54% of retail executives see resale as a more stable source of clothing amid tariff turmoil. Rachel Kibbe, CEO of American Circular Textiles, notes, “At a time when consumers are price-sensitive and seeking more affordable, sustainable options, recommerce offers critical access—not only to income, but to quality goods at lower costs”.
Sustainability Through Secondhand
U.S. landfills are filled with discarded clothing, which, as it breaks down, releases greenhouse gases and toxic “forever chemicals.” The carbon footprint of producing new garments—from sourcing materials to manufacturing and global shipping—is even higher.
Experts estimate that if every secondhand item purchased replaced the need for a new one, it could reduce overall production by nearly 8% by 2027 and cut annual carbon emissions by 15-16% by 2040. Each reused garment can add 2.2 years to its life and reduce water, carbon, and waste footprints by as much as 73% compared to producing new clothing.
“Currently we have enough clothing on the planet to clothe the next six generations of humans without making anything more,” says Rachel Mednick, a sustainable fashion educator. The challenge is making it easier for companies to source natural fibers and shift their supply chains—a process that takes time and resources.
The Booming Business of Secondhand
Secondhand shopping isn’t just environmentally smart—it’s also become a cultural phenomenon, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. Younger consumers are seeking out resale apps and thrift stores in search of unique, affordable, and sustainable finds. According to a recent survey, 71% of shoppers aged 25-34 bought “pre-loved goods” in the past year.
The resale sector is booming:
- Projected to reach $1.04 trillion globally by 2035, up from $186 billion last year
- Growing 12–15% annually, outpacing traditional retail
- Luxury resale is also surging, with 27% of online luxury apparel spending now happening on resale platforms
Finding Value in Sustainability
For many, recommerce is about more than just saving money or the environment—it’s about creativity, entrepreneurship, and building community. As Congress turns its attention to the recommerce economy, the hope is that new policies will empower small businesses, reduce environmental impact, and give shoppers more sustainable choices—proving that fashion, the economy, and the environment don’t have to be at odds.
As the leading B2B recommerce platform, B-Stock stands behind Congress and the industry leaders who are advocating for this recommerce movement. We’d also like to acknowledge and thank the retailers, brands, and small businesses who are leveraging our platform to sell and buy returned, excess, and trade-in inventory. Every transaction on B-Stock helps extend product lifecycles, reduce landfill waste, and advance sustainability goals that are increasingly valued by consumers, businesses, and policymakers alike.
Want to understand the current B2B recommerce landscape? Download B-Stock’s report, The State of the B2B Recommerce Market- 2025.
