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 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 partnership and funding to empower organizations in their global development goals of education, health, agriculture, and more. He also shares insights from his participation (last year) in the UN General Assembly and the Africa Union side event on education and skill development.
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 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.
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.
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 goals going forward, ..and much more.
It's a great conversation! Don't forget to subscribe and get notifications for all of our upcoming podcast.
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 products, and the importance of cotton farming in underdeveloped countries. The movement of cotton, challenges faced by cotton farmers, and efforts to expand beyond traditional textiles are also highlighted. The discussion emphasizes the biodegradability of cotton, regulations like extended producer responsibility, and ICAC's involvement in sustainability scoring and trade facilitation. The impact of high yields on sustainability, the secondhand clothing industry, and the potential for recycling cotton products are explored, along with the regulations and global direction for sustainability.
In the latest episode of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, host Monica Johnson speaks with Simon Glimtoft, the mall manager of ReTuna, the world's first recycling mall, located in Eskilstuna, Sweden. Glimtoft shares how ReTuna is leading the way as a global sustainable shopping model.
In Episode 7 of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, we talk to Finch and Frog Founder and Owner, Pamela Batzel about the power of language and rhetoric in corporate sustainability messaging. Finch and the Frog is a linguistics-based market research company that helps businesses evaluate and achieve their sustainability messaging goals.
In episode 6 of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, Cali Noland, Co-owner of Long Lake Farms, a cotton farm in Coahama, Mississippi, talks about how she and her husband decided to commit to regenerative farming and the benefits they experience. Cali has been traveling around to spread the word about the benefits of this method of sustainable cotton farming. She is also leading the way for farmers' voices to be heard in discussions with brands and textile manufacturers.