This week, the U.S. State Department brought a "Zero-Waste" delegation from Russia to Planet Aid's headquarters in Elkridge, Maryland to learn about best practices in textile recycling. The delegation is visiting the United States under the International Visitor Leadership Program, and the group was comprised of current and emerging leaders in waste and recycling management. Planet Aid was the first facility stop on the group's cross-country tour.
Referred to as one of the most effective models for clothing recycling and redistribution by the U.S. Embassy in Russia, Planet Aid experts briefed the delegation on how it reaches out and educates the public, operates its collection system, and sells the items in bulk on the international market.
Comprised of seven Russian waste and recycling specialists from the private sector, academia, and the Russian media (plus two State Department interpreters), the delegation toured Planet Aid's warehouse facility and learned about how textile recycling can become a success through a combination of public convenience and operational efficiency.
Planet Aid is honored to have hosted the Russian Zero-Waste delegation and to share best practices with them. Only through cooperation and knowledge sharing can the world achieve a secure and prosperous sustainable future.
"First of all, I would say that it's very good that you're doing what you're doing. It's a very important initiative. What you have to remember is that you are the pioneers, you are the ones that are first teaching people that this is an important thing to do. So it will be difficult, but you will have to continue, and one day you will discover that you are the leader in something new in Russia."
-Planet Aid President Ester Neltrup, speaking to Dmitrii Viktorovich Zakarliukin, Chairman of the "Let's Do It" Environmental Protection Movement
Operations Manager Frank Fowler greets the Russian delegation.
Planet Aid President Ester Neltrup (right) speaks through an interpreter to one of the members of the delegation (left).
Taking a look at Planet Aid's signature yellow bins.
The Planet Aid facility in Maryland processes textiles donated from the yellow bins placed throughout the area.
Explaining how the clothes baling system works.
Showing off some musical skills on a donated guitar found in the warehouse.
Read more about the Russian Delegation visit in Waste360.