World Water Day is celebrated on March 22, and the annual United Nations observance day highlights the importance of fresh water. This year's theme of leveraging water for peace emphasizes the importance of using water resources wisely to promote sustainability. Water is a vital resource, and water scarcity is not uncommon in various parts of the world. Managing water resources effectively and promoting cooperation among communities and nations brokers the possibility for a more peaceful and prosperous world. In his ‘World Water Day’ message, UN Secretary António Guterres, stated, “Today ..read more

Planet Aid’s School and Community Programs was invited to attend and participate in a STEAM Expo at P.S. 014, The Fairview School in Queens, New York on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. STEAM EXPOs offer opportunities for students to partake in fun and engaging activities to build interest and knowledge in the five tenets of STEAM, which are science, technology engineering, arts, and mathematics. Sustainability Coordinator, Bianca Bibilon and the school’s dedicated Sustainable STEAM Team were the brains and brawn behind the expo. They orchestrated a cast of New York’s finest organizations to joi ..read more

March 18 is World Recycling Day—a day of observance that sheds light on the significance of recycling, especially pertaining to textiles, plastics, and other recyclables. Recycling plays a crucial role in preserving the environment by reducing waste and conserving resources. For over 25 years has taken on the role of collecting old, unused, or wanted textiles. Many textiles, like clothing, fabric, and shoes, often end up in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution. By recycling or reusing textiles, we can significantly decrease the amount of waste that ends up in landfills ..read more

Humana People to People advocates for a transformative approach that recognizes the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals in all their diversity, including women and girls who suffer the consequences of gender inequalities. Many women face limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, which perpetuates their economic dependence. Unequal participation in decision-making processes and the prevalence of gender-based violence and discriminatory norms further exacerbate these disparities, hindering overall progress and development.  Incorporating a gender lens ..read more

Planet Aid is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and fighting poverty, so we are excited to celebrate Zero Discrimination Day. This global observance, recognized on March 1st each year, aims to raise awareness about the importance of ending discrimination in all its forms. Discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status can have a profound impact on individuals and communities, hindering their ability to thrive and reach their full potential. Zero Discrimination Day is celebrated by the United Nations and other ..read more

From community gardens to student-led movements, how New York City educators are cultivating environmental responsibility With 317 schools and counting, Planet Aid's School Program boasts a wide array of partners all over the Northeast and Midwest regions of the country. Many of these schools, nestled in suburban and rural areas, have ample space and a keen interest in hosting environmental projects and initiatives. However, what about our schools in the bustling heart of the city? With limited space, a dense population, and a myriad of other demands, one might wonder if these urban schools ha ..read more

In the latest episode of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, Jonelle Palmer, the Climate Adaptation Partnership Associate at Planet Aid, sat down with Communications Content Specialist Monica Johnson and Communications Manager Haley Chitty to unravel the intricacies of climate adaptation. The discussion explores climate adaptation, the crucial role of local regenerative practices, and how the multifaceted impacts of climate change can be addressed. Understanding Climate Adaptation Palmer stressed that to understand climate adaptation it is important to understand climate change, the changi ..read more

Op-Ed on African Union Education Summit Education remains a basic human right and the key to unlocking Africa’s development. Teacher training holds the potential for effectively aiding Africa in transforming education. Members of Humana People to People have 30 years’ experience working closely with national governments in training professional primary school teachers who are serving rural communities of sub-Saharan Africa. Members of Humana People to People seek to inspire and complement public education, so that teachers, students, parents, education institutions, education officials, and M ..read more

January 24 marks the International Day of Education, a day dedicated to celebrating the role of education in fostering peace, sustainable development, and human prosperity. At Planet Aid, we recognize the transformative power of education and are proud to contribute to this global initiative by funding locally-led education programs in the U.S., Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Planet Aid's Education Program Funding TEACH program: In 2020, Planet Aid was awarded a grant by USAID’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) initiative for the “Training Teachers and Changing Communities” (TEA ..read more

By Monica I. Johnson For decades, China bought trash from the U.S. and many other countries around the world. In fact, 70 percent of the world's recycling material landed at Chinese ports. However, in 2018 China enacted a policy that sent shockwaves around the world. They passed the National Sword Policy—a ban on importing low-grade plastics to China, and with this ban, the U.S. and other countries would have to learn how to deal with their own trash. Decades of depending on China, left the U.S. with no solid contingency plan. Now plastic recycling is the uninvited guest at the front door ..read more