Sarah Coulter, US Program Director, has spent the last decade plus creating successful sustainability programs from the ground up, including the past four years with Accelerating Circularity. She is a supply chain sustainability generalist with extensive experience in program design and development, research and writing, standards and certifications, claims and labeling, building hybrid business models, technical design and management, and forging strategic partnerships. As a speaker, panelist, and facilitator, Sarah has shared her knowledge with diverse audiences worldwide. She holds a BFA in Art History from the University of Kansas and MS in Sustainability Management from Columbia University.
Beth Forsberg has been a key leader at Goodwill for over 18 years, currently serving as Senior VP of Sustainability at Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona (GCNA). With more than 30 years of experience in donated goods retail (DGR), she has driven GCNA’s sustainability initiatives, including the first large-scale sorting and grading program. . She also played a pivotal role in supporting the ASU team to open a groundbreaking material recovery facility, converting plastic waste into new products.
Previously, as VP of Retail & Operations at Goodwill Industries of San Diego County, Beth oversaw 10 departments, quadrupling sales revenue and launching the Sustainability Division with initiatives like curbside collection to enhance material diversion. She also expanded GCNA's Retail Operations Center by introducing innovative programs like E-Commerce and Textile Grading, significantly boosting revenue and waste diversion efforts.
Former business development manager at the international organization in textile recycling, the Boer Group, independent management consultant, Nicole Kösegi will present, The European Approach on Extended Producer Responsibility for Textiles: An Opportunity for Today's Actors in the Used Textiles Sector, at the SMART 2024 Miami Conference.
With the publication of the EU Textile Strategy in March 2022, the EU Commission announced its vision 2030 for sustainable and recyclable textiles. Two years later, many legal initiatives have taken place in Europe to promote the transformation of the textile manufacturing industry. Nicole Kösegi will present an overview of the implementation of the EU Textile Strategy which has a direct impact on the used textiles sector. Certainly, her focus is on the legal framework of textile waste management.
In Europe, only a few countries have already introduced an extended producer responsibility (EPR) for textiles. With the new revision of the Waste Framework Directive, a mandatory EPR system for textiles shall be implemented in all Member States. Nicole Kösegi will give insights about this concept and present the key elements which shall be considered in the future. Moreover, she will share the key finding and experiences of the French EPR system which is in place since 2008 and speak about how Germany is working on the implementation of an EPR system for textiles.
About the speaker:
Nicole Kösegi has over 20 years of experience in the field of waste management with focus on textiles and packaging. She has held various strategic management positions within the recycling sector, for instance at SUEZ Environment, a global waste management provider or as business development manager at Boer Group, an international organization in textile recycling. Since 2018, Nicole Kösegi has been working as an independent management consultant.
A focus of her work is in the field of take-back-systems and the development of solutions for implementing producers’ responsibility for various types of waste. Against this background, she has very good knowledge and understanding of current developments in the textile sector and approaches for increased circularity of textiles.
Apostle Rev Teresiah Wairimu Njenga is the founder of the Synagogue of Hope Church and ministry in Nairobi. She is a televangelist and also doubles as the Director of Give Hope TV that broadcast across Kenya.
Teresiah has been in the Mitumba business for the last 20 Years, where she started off her business with a capital of KShs 3000. Together with her husband they have grown the business to becoming importers of second-hand clothes, importing from Canada, USA, Europe and China. Because of her business and leadership acumen, Teresia was selected by her peers to lead and chair the Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya (MCAK), which represents over 2 million traders.
In March 2020, the government of Kenya imposed a ban on mitumba trade over misinformation of Covid-19. Teresiah led the MCAK team in lobbying for the lifting of the ban. After several meetings with President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi, the ban on second hand clothes was lifted in August the same year. Teresiah was key in developing new import protocols that are used to date in importation of second-hand clothes.
The MCAK has, in an effort to educate and inform the Kenyan public on the economic and social benefits that second-hand clothes has done to Kenya, launched 4 reports over the last three years. Teresiah, as the chair, was very instrumental in preparation and development of those reports which have widely been covered both in local and international media.
Dr. Odonkor will present An Evaluation of the Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact of the Second-Hand Clothes Trade in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of Ghana, at the SMART 2024 Miami Conference.
The second-hand clothing (SHC) trade in Ghana plays a pivotal role in the nation's retail landscape, deeply embedded in its cultural and economic framework. This industry serves approximately 95% of the Ghanaian population, offering affordable clothing options while supporting local livelihoods, economic vitality, and entrepreneurial ventures. Operating within a circular economy framework, it promotes resource efficiency and sustainable consumption practices, countering the detrimental impacts associated with global fast fashion. This paper explores the multifaceted nature of Ghana's SHC industry, analyzing its economic contributions, demographic dynamics, and socio-environmental implications. By directly engaging with SHC traders, the study challenges prevalent misconceptions, particularly regarding waste management, revealing that only a minimal percentage of imported bales are deemed unsellable. Importers maintain stringent quality control measures to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty, underscoring the sector's commitment to sustainability. In 2022, SHC trade significantly bolstered government revenues through direct taxes, surpassing allocations for poverty alleviation programs. Embracing the SHC sector presents opportunities to advance Ghana's sustainable development goals, particularly goals 13, 14, and 15 related to climate action, marine conservation, and terrestrial ecosystems. To further enhance sustainability, initiatives such as recycling programs and stakeholder collaborations are essential. Ultimately, the SHC trade stands as a catalyst for economic growth, livelihood support, and sustainable development in Ghana, embodying the nation's commitment to a circular economy and global sustainability objectives.
About Dr. Odonkor:
Dr. Stephen T. Odonkor is a distinguished Fulbright Scholar and Senior Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). With over thirty peer-reviewed publications in top-ranked journals, Dr. Odonkor has amassed significant experience in organizing interdisciplinary seminars that bring together researchers, students, and the community. His expertise spans research, curriculum development, project design, data analysis, and community engagement initiatives.
Dr. Odonkor is the Executive Director and founder of the Metropolitan Research and Education Bureau (MREB), a research-based organization in Accra, Ghana, established in 2007. Committed to advancing knowledge and addressing pressing community issues, MREB stands as a testament to Dr. Odonkor's dedication. Renowned for his results-driven approach, resourcefulness, and exceptional event planning skills, he is a leader with strong leadership qualities.
