Current Efforts

Organizations at work

Image: electronicreusingassociation.us

Electronic Recycling Association (E-Waste)

Image: oceanconservancy.org

Ocean Conservancy (Plastic Pollution)

Image: greenpeace.org

Greenpeace (Fast Fashion)

The ERA works to prevent old/unused electronics from entering inefficient recycling facilities to prevent pollution. Additionally, they repair and donate the I.T. equipment to various charity groups to grant technology access to individuals unable to afford it.

Video Courtesy of: Electronic Recycling Association

The Ocean Conservancy works to protect and relieve the ocean from several stressors: climate change, oil spills, overfishing, and plastics. They enlist volunteers for the International Coastal Cleanup to clean coastlines of plastic wastes or remove them from organisms like green sea turtles.

Video Courtesy of: Ocean Conservancy

Greenpeace, in regards to fast fashion, works to negotiate agreements (Like the Detox Commitment) with international fashion brands to reduce the amount of hazardous chemical and unsustainable material usage (materials derived from areas of poor working conditions or generators of textile waste).

Video Courtesy of: Greenpeace

Image: oceanconservancy.org

Taking Action

Opportunities for an individual to get involved are present within each of these organizations and many others and plenty of resources are available for making smart, ecological decisions with consumer products:

  1. The ERA provides a map of depots which allow drop offs for recycling of old electronics, and can also perform scheduled pick ups on their websites.

  2. Ocean Conservancy accepts volunteers for and sends emails regarding waste sweep and conservation events on coastlines.

  3. Websites like The Good Trade lists sustainable clothing brands and materials which avoid environmentally detrimental fast fashion trends: https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/sustainable-clothing-fabrics