On November 16, in celebration America Recycles Day (that’s actually on November 15), a day dedicated to promoting recycling and sustainability across the nation. This year, The Chad Livsey Project (CLP) is marking the occasion in a special way: the organization’s Founder, Chad Livsey, and COO, Candra Livsey, are celebrating the completion of the Atlanta Sustainable Ambassador Program, a six-week program that equips participants with strategies and hands-on experience in sustainable living.
Becoming Sustainable Ambassadors
Led by Michelle Wiseman and organized through the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability & Resilience, Chad completed the program in spring 2024, and Candra will graduate from the fall program on November 16. They were trained in sustainable practices, gaining insights into impactful actions individuals can take and learning about Atlanta’s eco-friendly initiatives. Each participant completes a capstone project, and Chad and Candra used this opportunity to create something that benefits the community.
Building a Sustainable Hub with the Chad Livsey Project
For their capstone project, Chad and Candra partnered with other ambassadors to establish a sustainable hub, featuring a Community Closet and a Repair Cafe — two initiatives that promote reuse, skill-building, and waste reduction. For this project, donations of clothing, fabric, paint, and sewing supplies were collected from May to September 2024, during community cleanup events. These items became the foundation of the Community Closet and Repair Cafe.
Through the Community Closet’s “fill-a-bag” model, community members can fill a bag for a single price, making reuse accessible and affordable. This program is currently valued at over $5,600, helping rehome hundreds of items that might otherwise be discarded. Meanwhile, the Repair Cafe provides free mending and alterations, extending the life of clothing and offering sewing and crafting classes that empower people to upcycle their belongings.
Supporting Community Programs Through Donations
The Community Closet and Repair Cafe will be open to celebrate America Recycles Day in the Historic WestEnd Community, at 1200 White St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. Sponsors for the event include the Keep Atlanta Beautiful Commission and the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation, whose support helps make the celebration and community offerings possible. All proceeds from the Community Closet and any donations made at the Repair Cafe will go directly to The Chad Livsey Project, supporting CLP’s newly launched internship and workforce development program that equips participants with valuable job skills and experience in sustainability-focused fields.
A Creative Reuse in Action
To showcase the power of resourcefulness and sustainable practices, Chad and Candra took on an inspiring challenge: transforming a blank warehouse space into a fully operational Community Closet — all on a $0 budget. In this behind-the-scenes video, watch as they collect, repurpose, and upcycle donated materials to build shelves, create displays, and design a welcoming space entirely from scratch. Through their hands-on efforts, they demonstrate how creativity and dedication can turn unused items into valuable community resources, all while promoting reuse and reducing waste.
Creating Lasting Impact
As Chad and Candra complete their Sustainable Ambassador training, they reflect the power of direct, meaningful action. The Community Closet and Repair Cafe are just one part of their broader mission to build a culture of reuse, resilience, and sustainable habits.
This America Recycles Day, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating Chad and Candra’s work, reflecting on personal habits, and supporting The Chad Livsey Project’s initiatives. By participating in reuse efforts, upcycling, or contributing to community projects, we can each play a role in creating a more sustainable future.