1. Could you share your name, title (if relevant), where you’re from, and your current job?
My name is Kate Harvey, and I’m the founder and Chief Upcycler-in-Charge of BirdieBlue. I’m based in Vermont, where I run a woman-led circular lifestyle brand that transforms old ski and snowboard gear into bold, functional bags—while creating flexible, fair-wage jobs for women in rural communities.
2. On a personal or professional level, what significance does sustainability hold for you?
Sustainability isn’t a buzzword for me—it’s the reason BirdieBlue exists. Professionally, it’s about proving that purpose and profit can go hand in hand. Personally, it’s about responsibility: to our planet, to our communities, and to the next generation (including my own kids). Every bag we make represents materials saved from landfill and meaningful income for a real person behind the sewing machine.
3. Where did you start your sustainability journey and what are some easy swaps you recommend for others?
My sustainability journey started on a ski chairlift—literally—when I ripped my favorite ski pants and couldn’t bear to throw them away. That moment led me down a rabbit hole of textile waste and ultimately to starting BirdieBlue.
Easy swaps I always recommend: buy less but better, shop secondhand or upcycled when you can, repair before replacing, and rethink “waste” as a resource. Small mindset shifts add up quickly.
4. Have you set any specific sustainability goals this year? If so, what are they?
Yes! At BirdieBlue, we’ve already saved more than 13,000 pieces of gear from landfills, and our goal is to double that impact in 2026 by expanding our upcycling partnerships and material recovery programs.
On a more personal note, my family has a goal to eliminate as much single-use plastic from our home as possible. We’re exploring new cleaning brands and beauty products that don’t rely on plastic packaging, and we’re planning to launch a blog series sharing what we discover as we test different options—so follow along and stay tuned.
5. What are your favorite eco-friendly brands, and/or which companies do you believe are leading the way in sustainable business practices?
I’m inspired by brands that pair strong values with real action. Patagonia continues to lead the way by prioritizing repair, durability, and accountability, while Retold Recycling is making textile recycling approachable and accessible—solving a problem so many people don’t know how to tackle.
On a personal level, I love brands that make sustainable living easier at home. I’m a big Blueland convert—their plastic-free cleaning products keep our home spotless and healthy, especially during winter germ season. In the kitchen, we store everything in glass or reusable Stasher bags, and we love cooking with HexClad pans, which are ceramic nonstick and free from PFAS and forever chemicals.
At BirdieBlue, we also love partnering with outdoor gear brands to help them advance their sustainability journeys. Collaborations with Burton, Stio, and Turtle Fur show how circular solutions can turn waste into something meaningful—proving that collaboration is one of the most powerful tools we have for driving real impact.
6. What would you like to see more of in the sustainability sector?
More accessibility and less gatekeeping—sustainability shouldn’t feel expensive, exclusive, or overwhelming. I’d also love to see more transparency around fashion circularity, especially clearer communication about what actually happens to materials at the end of their life. Greenwashing has made it harder for consumers and brands alike to know what’s truly impactful.
The more honest we can be about what works, what doesn’t, and where we’re still learning, the faster we can move the industry forward. Collaboration, accountability, and real data—not perfection—are what will drive meaningful change.
7. What was the last podcast, newsletter, or book that motivated you to adopt more sustainable practices or deepened your understanding of an eco-related topic?
The documentary A Plastic Ocean truly opened my eyes to the devastating impact of microplastics on our planet. It’s not an easy watch, but I believe it’s important to face the scary reality of where we are—because awareness is what sparks change.
It reinforced how deeply connected our everyday choices are to the health of our oceans, wildlife, and communities. While the problem can feel overwhelming, small changes made by many people add up to meaningful impact. Together, we can protect and preserve our greatest playground—Mother Earth.
8. How did you come across Retold?
I discovered Retold through the sustainability community and was immediately drawn to the mission and transparency behind the brand. I love working with fellow female-founded companies, and Retold stood out as a partner that truly walks the talk.
What really set Retold apart for me was how clear and honest they are about where donated clothes actually go. In the clothing recycling world, that level of transparency isn’t always the norm, and it’s something I care deeply about—both as a founder and a consumer.
9. How would you describe your Retold persona (e.g., slow and steady = annual, big declutter = 10 packs)?
A mix of slow-and-steady with seasonal purges. As both a founder and a mom, things accumulate quickly—especially textiles—so having an easy, trusted system makes staying consistent feel doable. I also love using Retold’s fabric scrap packs, which fit perfectly into the creative and crafting community. It’s such a fun way to keep materials in circulation while inspiring new projects—proof that even scraps can have a second (or third) life.
10. If someone was going to gift you an item from Retold’s sustainable store, what would it be?
Anything from their plastic-free home and wellness collection would be an amazing gift—especially as we head into our 2026 plastic-free journey at home. From everyday swaps that replace single-use plastic to thoughtfully made wellness essentials, I love that these products are both practical and planet-forward. They make sustainable living feel achievable, not overwhelming—and that’s exactly the energy we’re excited to carry into the year ahead.
