Planet Aid at Home

Through the collection and recycling of used clothing, Planet Aid saves valuable resources that help reduce the emission of CO2 and other gasses that contribute to global warming. Clothing that is decaying in a landfill releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Similarly, producing the fibers to make clothing fibers, such as cotton, is energy intensive and requires large inputs of fossil fuel, water, fertilizer, and pesticides. Reusing clothing and reducing the need for manufacturing new clothes is an easy way to save resources and mitigate climate change.

Planet Aid collected and recycled nearly 100 million pounds of clothes and shoes in the United States in 2016. We also did a lot more too. Here are a few highlights from 2016.

Planet Aid Taps into the Sun

In November 2016, Planet Aid began installation on a large-scale solar energy rooftop system at the warehouse facility in Milford, Massachusetts. When completed, the system will produce 684,000 kilowatt-hours per year, meeting Planet Aid’s energy demands and producing a surplus for others to use. The array will contribute to Massachusetts achieving its goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 15% of 1990 levels by 2020. Approximately 12,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide will be saved, which is equivalent to saving over 1.3 million gallons of gasoline or planting more than 11,000 acres of new forest. Read more

Planet Aid Receives Recycling Award

Planet Aid earned first place in the 2016 Calvert County Recycling Awards. Planet Aid was recognized as the leading organization in the “Recycling Industry Category.” The award was presented to Planet Aid by Calvert County Commissioner Mike Hart.

"You have probably seen those yellow metal bins near parking lots. They are quietly doing a lot of recycling, "said Commissioner Hart. "Sixteen bins helped recycle close to 50,000 pounds of textiles in Calvert County last year. That’s a 50 percent increase from 2014."…read more

Planet Aid Featured in Exhibit at Skirball Cultural Center

Last year, the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California launched the interactive exhibition: “A Path Appears: Actions For A Better World.” Planet Aid was featured in the gallery area featuring exhibits of innovative educational projects from around the globe serving populations ranging from runaways to young child in developing countries. A large display features Upile…read more

Planet Aid Donation Drives Held Across the Country

In 2016, Planet Aid helped divert thousands of pounds of textiles from landfills through donation drives. We partnered with companies, school districts, shelters, and other organizations across the country to organize these drives. In the process, we also helped raise awareness of the need to recycle textiles.

Visit our local Planet Aid pages to learn more about the drives held in 2016. Read more

Planet Aid Supports Care of Poor People