An Interview With Monica Sanders
Addressing equity and inclusivity: Sustainability and climate justice efforts must prioritize inclusivity and address systemic inequalities. Recognize the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and work towards solutions that promote social and economic justice.
According to the University of Colorado, “Those who are most affected and have the fewest resources to adapt to climate change are also the least responsible for the greenhouse gas emissions — both globally and within the United States.” Promoting climate justice is an incredibly important environmental responsibility that is slowly becoming more and more recognized. In this interview series, we are talking to leaders who are helping to promote sustainability and climate justice. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Reid Edgar.
Reid is a driven entrepreneur with a passion for environmentalism and is on a mission to revolutionize the eco-friendly market with his company, Spot Detergent. Hailing from Atlanta and now settled in coastal Maine, Reid has witnessed the devastating impact of plastic pollution and the urgent need for practical solutions that everyday people can embrace. Reid firmly believes that the key to bringing about significant change lies in making eco-friendly products mainstream, approachable, and competitively priced.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
Since I was young, I’ve always been an environmentalist. I always cared and wanted to do what was best for the earth and the environment. Too often, I found that the rubber never met the road. People would talk about doing big things, but they would never come to fruition. Or, they would have vague plans with vague results that couldn’t be tracked (“donate money and we’ll plant trees”). How many trees? Where? How do I know you’re actually doing it? I’m very pragmatic in how I live my life and run my business. I want to see results, and I want to show it to people so that they can see what we’ve done. With a company like Spot, we can definitively say, “We’ve kept this many plastic jugs of laundry detergent from entering a landfill or ending up in the ocean.” But that’s not enough. I also know that in order to truly have an impact on the environment, you have to get more than just wealthy environmentalists on board. It’s going to take everyone making changes, such as buying detergent sheets instead of laundry detergent, in order to have a large enough impact. I also know that not everyone cares about the environment as much as I do. So, I had to figure out how to get the average consumer to buy my product, even if they didn’t care about the environment. That’s my goal: I want to change the paradigm of eco-friendly products so that they become the norm and are affordable and approachable to everyone. That’s the best way, in my opinion, to drastically cut down on our plastic usage and waste.
Everyone has a cataclysmic moment or marker in their life which propels them to take certain actions, a “why”. What is your why?
Spot Detergent is dedicated to revolutionizing the laundry care industry by offering effective, mess-free, and sustainable alternatives that actively reduce environmental footprints.
Spot Detergent is committed to empowering families to make a meaningful and affordable contribution to the environment. With our range of eco-friendly products starting at just $1.99 for a 10-load pack, we ensure that sustainability is accessible to all without straining your budget.
For us, it’s all about accessibility and affordability. But at the same time, the product has to be just as good, convenient and easy to use as the traditional offering. Our product works just the same and is just as easy to use as detergent pods for about a third of the price.
On the accessibility front, that means having approachable packaging that looks like an average cleaning product. I didn’t want to have a label that looked “green” because I didn’t want to turn away people who don’t buy “green” products or assume that “green” products are too expensive. We have to allow people to make sustainable choices but on their terms. By offering them a great product at a great price that’s easy to use, we’re confident they will make that choice.
You are currently leading an organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change?
When we launched the business, we garnered a lot of interest right away, but we hadn’t signed on with any large customers yet. We were waiting anxiously for that big breakthrough. Then, less than two months after we launched, we got a very large order out of the blue. Up until then, we had been shipping out small orders here and there. And now we had to produce an order on a large scale and deliver it in 2 weeks. We were still getting our packaging facility set up, so we were left with no alternative but to pack every single envelope by hand. And by we, I mean my girlfriend and I. It took us all of those two weeks to hand pack, quality check, and box up that order. There were many midnight packaging sessions and lots of tired days, but we got it done! I knew then that we were on the path to something great.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
When we launched the business, we garnered a lot of interest right away, but we hadn’t signed on with any large customers yet. We were waiting anxiously for that big breakthrough. Then, less than two months after we launched, we got a very large order out of the blue. Up until then, we had been shipping out small orders here and there. And now we had to produce an order on a large scale and deliver it in 2 weeks. We were still getting our packaging facility set up, so we were left with no alternative but to pack every single envelope by hand. And by we, I mean my girlfriend and I. It took us all of those two weeks to hand pack, quality check, and box up that order. There were many midnight packaging sessions and lots of tired days, but we got it done! I knew then that we were on the path to something great.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
When I started my first business over ten years ago, I had no idea what I was getting into. At each step, I had to learn how to do it. But learning the steps and checking boxes is never enough. To truly understand how businesses and industries work, you need someone who has done it to give you their insight. I believe that without that, you’ll just float along and not really gain any traction. I was very fortunate to have many other business owners help me along the way. I was surprised by how eager and willing they were to help. I told myself that I would also help other entrepreneurs and business owners when they asked, and I’m always happy to do so. I have a lot of experience and inside knowledge that you won’t find on the Internet or in any book. I love to pass that along and enrich others and their businesses.
Thank you for that. Let’s now move to the central part of our discussion. Let’s start with a basic definition of terms so that everyone is on the same page. What does climate justice mean to you? How do we operationalize it?
Climate justice seeks to address climate change’s disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities and ensures equitable access to resources and opportunities. To operationalize it, we must include affected communities in decision-making, allocate resources fairly, provide education, advocate for just policies, and promote global cooperation.
On a deeper level, we can’t win the fight against climate change if only some of us are fighting it. Traditionally, sustainable and eco-friendly companies ignore large portions of the population who they deem don’t care about the environment or can’t afford their products. This is more of a social justice issue, in my opinion. By not giving everyone the chance to buy high-quality, sustainable products for their family, you’re removing them from making that choice and having the opportunity to participate in this wave of change. I think many people feel excluded from the world and lifestyle of sustainability, and I don’t want them to feel that way. I want everyone to be included; that’s justice.
Science is telling us that we have 7–10 years to make critical decisions about climate change. What are three things you or your organization are doing to help?
Our organization is cutting plastic waste, cutting oil use, inspiring other companies, and showing them there’s a way to do this and make money.
Crafted with a plant-based formula developed in Sweden, Spot Detergent sheets are entirely free from parabens and phosphates, ensuring a safe and effective cleaning experience. Our sheets dissolve in less than 60 seconds upon contact with water, leaving no waste behind.
Spot Detergent sheets are packaged in plastic-free materials, thus eliminating the need for single-use plastic jugs and significantly reducing plastic waste.
Are there three things the community, society, or politicians can do to help you in your mission?
Spread the word about detergent sheets. One of our biggest hurdles so far has been public awareness. Once people see the product, understand how it works, and ultimately use it, they become believers. We have found that an individual explaining the product one-on-one is the most effective way for new customers to adopt products like this. So go out and help us spread the word!
How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?
Businesses should embrace sustainability and environmental consciousness to enhance profitability through cost savings, innovation, customer loyalty, and improved brand reputation. It also facilitates access to funding, minimizes risks, and fosters partnerships for shared success.
This is the signature question we ask in most of our interviews. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started promoting sustainability and climate justice” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
- The importance of community and collaboration: Building a network of like-minded individuals and organizations can significantly amplify your efforts. Climate justice and sustainability are collective goals, and collaboration allows for shared knowledge, resources, and support.
- The need for patience and perseverance: Promoting sustainability and climate justice is a long-term endeavor. Change takes time, and setbacks are common. Being patient and persistent in your advocacy can help you stay focused on your goals.
- The power of storytelling and communication: Communicating your message effectively is crucial for gaining public support and raising awareness. Stories have the power to inspire and connect with people on an emotional level, making your cause more relatable and impactful.
- Addressing equity and inclusivity: Sustainability and climate justice efforts must prioritize inclusivity and address systemic inequalities. Recognize the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and work towards solutions that promote social and economic justice.
- The intersectionality of environmental issues: Understand that environmental challenges are interconnected with other social, economic, and political issues. Climate justice encompasses a broad range of concerns, and addressing them holistically can lead to more comprehensive and effective solutions.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Elon Musk. I greatly admire his passion, innovative mind, and unorthodox business strategy. The way that he can incorporate his personality into his products and his company makes his business unique and is very admirable. I hope to emulate that with my company (without getting bogged down in social media controversy and saying dumb things on Twitter).
How can our readers continue to follow your work online?
Spot Detergent is available online and in stores. To learn more about the product and where to find their eco-friendly sheets, visit www.spotdetergent.com.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
About the Interviewer: Monica Sanders JD, LL.M, is the founder of “The Undivide Project”, an organization dedicated to creating climate resilience in underserved communities using good tech and the power of the Internet. She holds faculty roles at the Georgetown University Law Center and the Tulane University Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy. Professor Sanders also serves on several UN agency working groups. As an attorney, Monica has held senior roles in all three branches of government, private industry, and nonprofits. In her previous life, she was a journalist for seven years and the recipient of several awards, including an Emmy. Now the New Orleans native spends her time in solidarity with and championing change for those on the frontlines of climate change and digital divestment. Learn more about how to join her at: www.theundivideproject.org
How Reid Edgar Of Spot Detergent Is Helping to Promote Sustainability and Climate Justice was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.