FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Haley Chitty
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Schools Save 170,000 Pounds of Used Clothes from Landfills During Planet Aid's 2nd Earth Month Clothing Drive
Elkridge, MD, June 7, 2023 --More than 200 participating schools diverted more than 170,000 pounds of used clothes and shoes from the waste stream during Planet Aid's second annual Earth Month Clothing Drive contest.
This year's winning school was Randolph High School in Massachusetts, which collected a record breaking 6,415 pounds over 18 days. Memorial Elementary School in Milford, MA came in second, collecting 3,455 pounds and Milford High School came in third, collecting 3,050 pounds. Planet Aid is providing prizes of $1,000, $700 and $500 to the top three schools.
Planet Aid Territory Manager, Michael Barys, presents a $1,000 check to Randolph High School for 1st place contest win.
"This was wonderful news for the school and students," said Randolph High School Principal Dr. William Conard. "Obviously it is a nice win for Randolph, but it's an even bigger win for our environment and the folks around the world who will be able to take advantage of all of the donated clothes."
In addition, Planet Aid is awarding $400 to Queens Metro High School in New York City for collecting 1,800 pounds, the most among new school partners. And, High Point Elementary, in Pasadena, Maryland is also being awarded $400 for being this year's most improved participant after collecting 1,330 pounds during the contest. Planet Aid staff will visit is visiting each winning school to present the checks and prizes.
Planet Aid provides monetary support year-round to all of its partner schools, based on how many pounds of clothes they collect.
Milford High School in Milford, MA was the 3rd place winner of the clothing drive contest.
"We sincerely thank all the students, teachers and administrators at the more than 200 participating schools for their efforts to help divert a record amount of clothing from ending up in landfills during this year's drive," said Eric Newman, Planet Aid's National Director of School and Community Programs. "Several schools let us know that this clothing drive contest was fun and motivating for their students. It was great to hear that, knowing that young people who experience joy in doing something good for their community and the planet, will may continue to do so throughout their lives."
Keeping used textiles out of landfills and raising money for schools are just two benefits of this year's contest, which ran from April 10 through April 28. Planet Aid's used clothing collection efforts also create jobs in the U.S. and abroad. Planet Aid employs hundreds of people in the U.S. and the second-hand clothes collected are resold and shipped abroad to support used textile industries that employ thousands around the globe. As a non-profit, Planet Aid uses the money generated from selling used clothes to fund community development projects that promote education, sustainable agriculture, health and wellness, and environmental stewardship initiatives where the need is greatest.
The second-hand clothing industry also helps reduce the negative impact of new clothing manufacturing. It is estimated that this year's contest helped:
- conserve 242 million gallons of water.
- prevent 4.3 million pounds of CO‚‚ emissions.
- avert 69,000 pounds of pesticide spray.
"Everyone wins during Planet Aid's Earth Month Clothing Drive because every pound of clothing collected makes a difference for people and the planet," Newman said.
About Planet Aid
Planet Aid is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that collects and recycles used clothing and shoes to protect the environment and support sustainable development in impoverished communities around the world. Planet Aid operates in 17 U.S. states and has collected over 1.7 billion pounds of used clothing and shoes since its inception more than 25 years ago. The funds raised through the sale of used textiles are used to support international development projects through Planet Aid's partners in the Humana People to People Federation. Read more at www.planetaid.org