Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid

In this episode, Sustainable Solutions guest, Jennifer Wang, CEO of Full Cycle, shares insights on the global secondhand clothing trade, its impact on local economies, and the importance of data transparency in sustainability efforts.

Join Planet Aid hosts Monica Johnson and Haley Chitty on a journey of compassion and community on the Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid podcast. Our guest is Luke Mickelson, founder of the nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Discover how this organization is fighting 'child bedlessness' and building a better world, one bed at a time. 🛏️✨ #sustainablesolutions #CommunityCare #makeadiffe...

Explore the transformative journey of James Edwards through the Planet Aid People 2 People Volunteer Program, highlighting cultural insights, community impact, and personal growth.

In this episode, hosts Monica Johnson and Haley Chitty explore the impactful work of Sharp Dressed Man, a Baltimore-based nonprofit dedicated to providing professional attire and support to men entering or re-entering the workforce. Our guest is Sharp Dressed Man's new executive director, Emily Pickett. The conversation highlights the human stories of the men served as well as the organization...

In this episode of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, hosts Monica Johnson and Haley Chitty speak with Charles Kamenides, Executive Director of the National Recycling Coalition. They discuss the importance of recycling, innovative waste management programs, and the challenges faced in the industry. Kamenides shares insights on the diverse membership of the NRC, upcoming events like the Zero Wa...

In this episode of Sustainable Solutions, host Monica Johnson speaks with Heidi Samborn, executive director of the National Stewardship Action Council. They discuss the evolution of environmental advocacy, the importance of product stewardship, and the challenges of managing textile waste. Samborn shares her journey from grassroots recycling efforts to leading national policy initiatives, emphasiz...

In this episode of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, host Monica Johnson engages with Ben Frost and Adrian Logan from Spectrum, discussing innovative water solutions and the importance of sustainability in water management. The conversation covers the challenges posed by contaminants like PFAS, the industry's shift towards zero discharge, and the role of technology in enhancing water trea...

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 marke...

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 conversatio...

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 conversat...

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 i...

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 planne...

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...

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...

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 t...

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, inclu...

In this podcast episode, Snorre Westgaard, CEO of Humana India and Chairman of The Federation Humana People to People, reflects on his four-decade journey in global development and delves into the evolution of sustainable development, the importance of solidarity, and the challenges and opportunities faced by developing regions such as the global south. Snorre also discusses Planet Aid's partn...

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 thei...

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 rol...

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 socia...

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 posit...

The Green Design Lab and Planet Aid team-up for environmental education

Here is our latest episode of the Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid Podcast. Our guest is Nathan Hryn , the young founder of Acorn Hills Clothing Company , a sustainable clothing brand doing a lot of good for conservation and environmental restoration. In this episode, we talk to Nate about why he created his sustainable clothing company while in college, where his inspiration came from, his g...

Podcast hosts Monica Johnson and Haley Chitty, talk with Kanwar Usman, head of textiles at ICAC, discussing the organization's role in the global cotton and textiles industry. They cover ICAC's significance, annual meetings, and Usman's initiatives in advising countries on textiles. The conversation delves into challenges in cotton consumption and production, the impact of synthetic pr...