Podcast Recap: CEO Fred Olsson on Planet Aid's history, environmental and development impact, and the yellow bin

Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid is celebrating its one-year anniversary with Planet Aid’s President and CEO Fred Olsson. In 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.

You can dive into the conversation’s highlights below, or immerse yourself in the full podcast experience on platforms like Apple,  Spotify, YouTube or directly on Planet Aid’s website.

Early Career and Inspirations

Fred Olson’s journey began long before Planet Aid was founded. His career with Development Aid from People to People (DAPP Sweden), an organization focused on textile collection and recycling, was started in Scandinavia in 1977. Fred worked with DAPP Sweden from 1980 to the mid-1990s.

Fred was inspired to impact global affairs during his extensive travels in the 1970s across the United States, Europe, and Asia, including countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, and India. These travels exposed him to the socio-economic conditions in various parts of the world, fueling a desire to address development, education, and sanitation needs in underserved communities. 

Transition to Planet Aid 

In 1997, Planet Aid was founded by three educators from the International Institute for Cooperation and Development (IICD) in Williamstown, Massachusetts. While Fred was not an original Planet Aid founder, his extensive experience in textile collection and recycling made him an invaluable addition to the team. He joined Planet Aid shortly after its inception to help kickstart operations in the U.S.

Fred helped establish Planet Aid’s operations in Brookline, Massachusetts, before moving to larger facilities in Lawrence, Holliston and ultimately Milford where Planet Aid currently operates a cutting edge, solar powered textile reuse facility. Under his guidance, Planet Aid quickly grew, achieving positive results in its first year by collecting and selling donated clothing to fund development programs. 

Planet Aid’s Global Impact

Planet Aid is part of Humana People to People, a federation of organizations dedicated to development in the Global South. As a founding member of this federation, Planet Aid works alongside other members to maximize impact through shared resources and collective knowledge. The federation comprises 29 national members that contribute to development projects in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Goals and Vision as CEO

Since becoming CEO in 2019, Fred has focused on expanding Planet Aid’s impact. Recognizing the increasing need for global assistance in areas like education, health, and sanitation, he aims to grow the volume of textiles and clothing collected. By increasing retail operations, Planet Aid can raise more funds to support vital programs in developing regions.

Fred’s vision for Planet Aid is clear: to continue expanding its reach and effectiveness, ensuring that every dollar and resource is utilized to its fullest potential in making a positive difference around the world.

During the discussion, Fred also discussed the significance of Planet Aid’s slogan: "For People and the Planet.” He explained that the phrase underscores the interconnectedness of supporting community development and environmental sustainability. By collecting used clothing to prevent landfill waste and reduce CO2 emissions, Planet Aid simultaneously funds global development efforts funds for international development projects, especially in impoverished regions like Southern and East Africa.

Monica highlighted that Planet Aid also funds domestic projects, addressing unmet needs in the U.S. Fred added that this local involvement is a way to give back to the community and is supported by collaborations with businesses and organizations. The nearly 10,000 collection boxes across the East Coast and Midwest facilitate this effort, showing a strong local commitment.

Episode 12 also explored a highly classified topic: How did the organization decide to use the now iconic yellow bins? Fred recounted the development of these bins before officially launching at the organization’s inception in 1997.

“We used yellow bins in Europe as well...you can see it from far away, and it's a happy color. It makes you happy to see yellow. So it actually is a thought-through concept,” he said. While the yellow bins are cheerful, secure, convenient, and visible, more importantly, it has become a recognizable symbol of Planet Aid’s mission.

Recently, the organization has introduced larger donation centers, significantly increasing the volume of collected items.

Legacy

Fred’s journey from DAPP Sweden to leading Planet Aid highlights the importance of experience, dedication, and a global perspective in addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues. As the organization continues to grow and evolve, its impact on communities across the Global South remains a testament to the power of collective action and sustainable solutions.

Watch the full episode of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, featuring Fred Olsson, and stay tuned for our monthly podcast with other sustainability leaders.

You can make your own community more sustainable, Planet Aid offers solutions including:

Finding your closest yellow donation bin

Joining Planet Aid’s School Program

Hosting your own yellow bin

Click on one of the links above to start your sustainability journey.