Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid

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.

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.