Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid

This enlightening discussion with hosts Monica Johnson and Haley Chitty features a sustainable fashion communications specialist underscores the importance of understanding sustainability in fashion and how everyone can contribute to a more sustainable future.

In this episode of Sustainable Solutions, host Monica Johnson speaks with Lisa Jepson, CEO of Garson and Shaw, about the importance of the secondhand clothing industry and its role in promoting sustainability. They discuss the environmental impact of textile production, the benefits of reusing clothing, and the need for education and advocacy in the circular economy. Lisa shares insights from their recent report on the circular textile industry, highlighting the significant job creation and environmental benefits associated with secondhand clothing. The conversation emphasizes the importance of changing consumer habits, particularly among younger generations, and the need for legislative support to foster a sustainable fashion industry.

In this episode of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, hosts Monica Johnson and Haley Chitty interview Owen Shaw, founder of the Handover app, which connects college students to trade, sell, and collaborate on gently used items. The conversation explores the app's sustainability focus, its impact on reducing waste, and how it fosters a sense of community among students. Owen discusses the marketing strategies, user feedback, and future expansion plans for the app, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and inclusive platform for students. The episode highlights the role of students in promoting sustainability and the potential for the app to transform campus life.

Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid is celebrating its first anniversary with Planet Aid’s President and CEO Fred Olsson on episode 12. Hosts Monica Johnson and Haley Chitty sat down with Fred as he shared fascinating insights into Planet Aid’s origins, its mission, and his own inspiring journey, starting as a young man traveling and working with various global development projects, to his position at the helm of Planet Aid.

Keep Me Posted with Planet Aid host Monica Johnson talks to Ashley Burger from Grafton Correctional Institution to talk about Planet Aid's partnership, which allows incarcerated people to work to pay off their prison fees and fines before reentering society, Planet Aid Operations Manager joins the conversation to talk about the program in Ohio.

𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗠𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝗔𝗶𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 with host Monica Johnson, talking to Queens Metropolitan High School's OWN Environmental Club. They won 1st place in Planet Aid's clothing drive for the most pounds collected for a new school and 2nd place in our Creativity Contest. This group of young people is well-informed and has great plans for the funds from their winnings, including a campus #pollinator garden.We also speak with Planet Aid School and Community Program Director Eric Newman. It's a great discussion. Check it out!

In this episode of Sustainable Solutions, host MonicaJohnson speaks with Christine Gard Denning, founder and CEO of Could You, a nonprofit organization focused on addressing period poverty and empoweringwomen through sustainable solutions. Christine shares the origins of her organization, the challenges faced in scaling their initiatives, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation highlights the impact ofmenstrual cups as a long-term solution to period poverty, the need for menstrual equity, and the role of partnerships in achieving these goals.Christine emphasizes the importance of listening to local communities and adapting solutions to their specific needs, while also sharing inspiring stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed by their work.

In this episode of Sustainable Solutions, host Monica Johnson speaks with Christine Lindbak, founder of Sewing and the City, about the importance of sewing as a sustainable solution to fast fashion. Christine shares her journey from a lifelong passion for sewing to creating a platform that empowers others to learn the art of sewing, upcycling, and personal expression through fashion. The conversation explores the challenges beginners face, the thrill of thrifting, and the supportive nature of the sewing community. Christine emphasizes the significance of repairing clothes and the growing trend of men in sewing, while also discussing her future plans for Sewing and the City.

In episode 23 of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, host Monica Johnson and Haley Chitty speak with Wayne Elsey, founder and CEO of Funds2Orgs, about his journey in the shoe industry and the impact of his social enterprise, which works individuals and organizations to collect reused shoes for fundraisers. They discuss the dual purpose of Funds2Orgs in fundraising and providing shoes to those in need, the evolution of the organization, and the importance of community engagement.Wayne shares stories of impactful projects, the growth opportunities for the organization, and his upcoming book on the reuse economy. The conversation emphasizes thesignificance of human connection, collaboration over competition, and the power of innovative ideas in making a difference.

In this episode of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, hosts Monica Johnson and Haley Chitty, speak with Nancy J. Zavada, founder of MeetGreen, about the importance of sustainability in event planning. They discuss innovative strategies for reducing waste, managing food waste, enhancing energy efficiency, and responsible transportation options. Nancy also shares her insights on how event planners can incorporate sustainable practices into their events, emphasizing the need for gradual progress and tailored solutions. The conversation highlights the growing awareness and responsibility within the events industry towards sustainability, encouraging listeners to take actionable steps in their own practices.

In this episode of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, hosts Monica Johnson and Haley Chitty speak with Megan Anderson, Vice President of Learning and Engagement at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. They discuss the aquarium's mission to inspire conservation and care for the ocean, the importance of water ecosystems, and the immersive experiences offered at the aquarium. Megan highlights the accessibility initiatives, the Harbor Wetland project, and the Leaders for Environmental Action Fellowship (LEAF) program aimed at fostering environmental leaders among Baltimore City high school students. The conversation also touches on the aquarium's commitment to sustainability and future plans for community engagement.

In this episode of Sustainable Solutions, hosts Monica Johnson and Haley Chitty, speak with Kristy Morris, CMO of Funds2Orgs, about the importance of sustainability in fundraising and community engagement. They discuss the innovative shoe drive programs that help nonprofits raise funds while promoting reuse and recycling. Kristy emphasizes the significance of storytelling in connecting with donors and the younger generations, as well as the challenges of greenwashing and the need for authenticity in marketing. The conversation highlights the impact of secondhand shoes in developing countries and shares inspiring success stories from community initiatives.

In this episode of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, hosts Monica Johnson and Haley Chitty speak with Valérie Coulloumme--Labarthe, founder and Executive Director of Encore Projects, about the intersection of sustainable fashion and veteran empowerment. Valérie shares her journey into thrifting and sustainable fashion, the mission of her nonprofit organization, and the upcoming fashion show that honors wounded veterans. The conversation highlights:💪 the importance of resilience and community support🙂 the emotional impact of fashion as a means of empowermentIn this conversation, Valérie Coulloumme-Labarthe and the hosts explore the intersection of sustainable fashion, resilience, and community support. They discuss the importance of embracing vulnerability, the role of veterans in the fashion industry, and the value of thrifting and upcycling. The conversation highlights how fashion can serve as a medium for healing and connection, particularly for veterans, while also addressing the environmental impact of fast fashion. The upcoming fashion show aims to raise awareness and funds for veterans, inviting the public to participate in this meaningful event.

In this episode, Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid host, Monica Johnson, speaks with Steven Bethell from Bank and Vogue, the largest trader of secondhand textiles in Canada, about his journey of transforming the secondhand clothing industry. They discuss the importance of sustainability, the role of used clothing as a force for good, and the innovative approaches taken by Bank and Vogue, including their Beyond Remade initiative. The conversation also touches on the significance of a pr a more sustainable future. Steven shares insights on the importance of community, innovation, and the responsibility of individuals and brands in creating a positive environmental impact.

In episode 14 of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, hosts, Monica Johnson and Communications Manager, Haley Chitty are talking to Shannon Mouton, Executive Director of Laurel Advocacy and Referral Service (LARS) in Laurel, Maryland. Shannon discusses how partnerships with Planet Aid and other nonprofits and commercial entities have helped LARS to fulfill sustainability goals and extend its role as a sustainable leader. LARS is a nonprofit organization that helps the unhoused and disadvantaged, with access to food, job training, and housing The organization was awarded Planet Aid's Capacity and Environmental (PACE) grant, which led to the birthing of projects like Project Grow. The local development project helps teach LARS clients how to start urban gardens, such as balcony and patio gardens. They are also partners with local farms to increase the number of fresh foods distributed through its food pantry. Before the project, the food was limited to mostly canned goods. Shannon also emphasizes the point that anybody can fall on hard times. LARS, a 37-year old nonprofit, is a bedrock organization serving Prince George's County and Howard County, Maryland. It was established to be a support to those in need. It's a powerful conversation all about seizing opportunities through community building and partnerships.

Ericka Leigh is a sustainable advocate and entrepreneur who spends quite a bit of time doing experiments in textile composting. She shares her observations and studies on social media, which gives her audience an understanding of how clothing/shoes break down (or don't) due to their natural or synthetic construction. It's a fascinating conversation discussing composting, repurposing, and the social ills perpetuated by fast fashion. Check out the episode and don't forget to subscribe and follow.

In episode 4 of "Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid," Monica welcomes Tameka Peoples, founder and CEO of Seed2Shirt, the first black-woman-owned vertically integrated apparel manufacturing company in the U.S. Tameka shares her journey and insights on sustainable farming practices and the value of enriching every stakeholder involved in the apparel production process. Seed2Shirt was born from Tameka's vision of a completely black-owned apparel company, requiring complete control over every stage of the production process, a concept she describes as the opposite of outsourcing. This vertical integration allows Seed2Shirt to maintain ethical, sustainable, and socially impactful practices. Tameka emphasizes the importance of understanding and controlling each step in the value chain, from growing cotton to the final stages of clothing production, which includes: Ginning Spinning Weaving Dyeing Cut/make/trim process The company's unique approach extends beyond mere production. Tameka is passionate about creating meaningful impact rather than following popular trends or buzzwords. This commitment is evident in Seed2Shirt's Farmer Enrichment Program (FEP), which supports 8,400 African and 1,200 U.S. farmers. The FEP invests profits back into the community through educational programs, equipment grants, and certifications, breaking away from the traditional extractive business models in agriculture. Seed2Shirt also tackles the challenge of encouraging farmers to adopt new, more sustainable methods of production. The key has been showing farmers how these changes lead to reduced water usage, increased yields, and higher prices for their certified processes. Despite the financial risks, the Farmer Enrichment Program has committed significant resources to reduce risks and increase rewards for farmers. An important aspect of Seed2Shirt's mission is addressing the traumatic history associated with cotton farming among Black Americans, stemming from chattel slavery. The company works to reconnect Black Americans with agriculture, helping to heal generational trauma and promoting a positive association with cotton farming. Seed2Shirt and Planet Aid work together as allies in the textile industry, sharing core values of sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. While Seed2Shirt focuses on sustainable production and high-quality textiles, Planet Aid ensures these durable clothes are reused through its yellow bin donation sites. For those inspired to contribute to sustainability in their community, Planet Aid offers several options, including finding a nearby yellow donation bin, joining their School Program, or hosting a yellow bin.

In the latest Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid podcast, episode three features Zaida Darley, who brings a wealth of knowledge in environmental anthropology, housing planning, real estate, and community sustainability. She delves into the intricate ways communities handle essential resources like water and the broader effects these methods have on their cultural and political environments. Zaida zeroes in on the interconnectedness of food, energy, and water, and how this trio shapes land use decisions. Throughout the episode, Zaida shares a variety of tips for those looking to boost sustainability in their communities. She encourages even the least active participants to recognize and respect the beauty and balance of nature. For those involved in new building ventures, she champions the pursuit of LEED certification, ensuring that construction methods are both environmentally sound and energy-efficient. Zaida also addresses the need for energy efficiency, recommending that listeners conduct energy audits and take simple, yet effective steps like insulating homes and sealing windows. She also points out that there are support programs available, especially for households with limited income, to help make these energy-saving improvements possible. Beyond this, Zaida discusses the communal and personal benefits of engaging in community gardening. Aligning with Planet Aid's commitment to reducing clothing waste, Zaida shares her ambition to eliminate food waste within her community. Both these endeavors underscore the critical need for reusing and recycling resources to create a more sustainable environment. The episode wraps up with an invitation to join in on Zaida’s and Planet Aid’s journey towards a more sustainable future. We encourage you to listen to the full episode and start making a difference by finding your nearest Planet Aid clothing donation bin.

Welcome back to the second episode of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid. Today's narrative weaves into the life of Erin Dorr, a sustainability professional from Bedford, Massachusetts, who transformed her career path from finance to environmental activism during a sabbatical. Erin sheds light on the strategic importance of schools in fostering a green mindset among students—the generation that, while not responsible for climate issues, will champion the charge toward a sustainable future. She emphasizes the role schools play in reinforcing eco-friendly habits practiced at home, thereby spinning a web of sustainability that extends into the community. Bedford, an eco-conscious town, provides the perfect backdrop for Erin's initiatives, with its trails, bike clubs, and a commitment to an energy net-zero plan. The town's alignment with the Massachusetts textile waste ban has been pivotal in setting the stage for responsible recycling, presenting both opportunities and challenges. A major highlight of Erin's efforts is the placement of Planet Aid's yellow clothing collection bins at local schools, which have amassed an impressive 60 tons of textiles since 2020—the equivalent of the weight of 30 elephants. Beyond collection, Erin also spearheads educational campaigns on the lifecycle of clothing, contributes articles to school newsletters, and energizes the community with gamified donation challenges. These initiatives not only further sustainability but also support school funding, with proceeds from collected textiles fueling future eco-friendly projects. Despite successes, Erin notes the challenges such as the necessity of easy-to-access infrastructure for textile recycling and the continuous need for education on sustainable practices. Many remain unaware of the textile waste ban, highlighting the ongoing requirement to enlighten the community on eco-friendly laws and facilities, such as the yellow bins provided by Planet Aid. Erin’s vision extends into a 15-year plan that ambitiously includes government sustainability initiatives, farm-to-table programs, and renewable energy sources to push Bedford towards a sustainable independence. Partnerships, like the one with Planet Aid, stand out as a cornerstone in achieving these goals, providing the necessary infrastructure for collection, sorting, and distribution to minimize textile waste.  Tune into the full episode to explore this topic further.

Welcome to the latest episode of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid. In this enlightening discussion, hosts Monica and Haley are joined by a special guest, Themis Toache, the Marketing and Personal Relations Manager at Garson & Shaw. Together, they delve deep into the world of the clothing circular economy, covering a range of topics from fast fashion and clothing recycling programs to the economic and environmental aspects of sustainable clothing donations. In the United States, a staggering 85% of clothing ends up in landfills, releasing toxic chemicals and microplastics into the environment. The rise of fast fashion is a significant contributor to this issue, with millions of styles produced each year, contributing to 8-10% of global carbon emissions. Contrastingly, the core principle of the clothing circular economy revolves around reusing clothing as much as possible. Simply put, keep wearing your clothes, share them with friends and family, or donate them to those in need. When garments reach the end of their life, recycling is the next step, with shredded clothing repurposed for insulation and other creative uses. Planet Aid, a nonprofit organization, plays a pivotal role by running clothing recycling programs that divert used clothes from landfills. In 2022 alone, we received a staggering 60 million pounds of sustainable clothing donations, contributing to a total of 1.7 billion pounds collected over time. Garson & Shaw further extends the lifecycle of these clothes, distributing them to individuals worldwide, providing affordable clothing options and livelihoods for millions. But the impact of the clothing circular economy goes beyond statistics. Themis shares insights from Garson & Shaw's research, highlighting the positive economic transformation in countries like Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. In 2021, this circular economy provided 3 million jobs, empowering individuals to support their families and communities while also benefiting the environment. Supporting the clothing circular economy is within everyone's reach. Small actions, such as reusing, donating, or organizing clothing swaps, can make a significant difference. Shopping at thrift stores for unique and sustainable fashion options is another excellent way to contribute. Additionally, spreading awareness about the detrimental effects of fast fashion and advocating for policy changes can drive positive change. Looking to the future, there's a growing demand for secondhand clothing, and organizations like Planet Aid are rising to meet it. The goal is to increase the percentage of reused and recycled clothing, with the aspiration of raising the U.S. rate from 15% to 25%. This shift in mindset could serve as a powerful example for other countries to embrace the clothing circular economy and reduce their textile consumption. We extend our gratitude to Themis for shedding light on the importance of the clothing circular economy and showcasing the real-world impact of clothing recycling programs. For business owners and professionals interested in green solutions, Planet Aid is eager to collaborate on meaningful projects. Remember to support this vital cause by donating your unwanted clothing to any of our collection bins and donation centers. Find your nearest bin using our interactive map today! Tune in to the full podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, or Planet Aid's website to explore this crucial topic further.