Donating Paper Bags to Local Food Pantry
7/28/23
It's always good to use reusable bags, but if you find yourself with extra bags, food pantries can always use them. We hosted a collection of used paper bags. Today, we donated these paper bags to our local food pantry and also volunteered stuffing the bags with food for those in need.
Beach Cleanup
8/4/23
Today we hosted a beach cleanup in North Wildwood. Let's all do what we can this summer to keep NJ beaches beautiful and keep plastic out of the ocean.
Be Kind to the Earth Event
8/9/23
Today we volunteered at the local children's library Be Kind to the Earth event. We played "Kind Earth Bingo" and made a craft. We talked to the children about sustainability and read a book about saving the planet.
Lightly Used Sports Equipment Donation
8/28/23
Today we did a collection and donated lightly used soccer equipment to an organization that will donate it to a children's sports camp in Haiti. It's great to see sports equipment get a second life.
Recycle Anything With a Plug Event
9/9/23
Instead of throwing old electronics and items with a plug in the trash where they will become landfill, look for an "everything with a plug" recycling event near you. For assistance with finding one, contact your State Representative. Today, we volunteered at one of these events and helped keep electronics out of landfill.
Township Paper-Shredding Event
10/14/23
Today we volunteered at a township paper-shredding event. All paper was collected and shredded by the brand Pro-Shred which then takes all of the paper to recycling facilities. We also collected donations for our local food pantry.
Gently Used Halloween Costume Collection
11/30/23
One of the scariest things about Halloween is the waste it generates. According to some estimates, in the U.S., Halloween costumes generate 12 million pounds of textile waste each year, with most of that ending up in landfill.
This November, right after Halloween ended, we partnered with The Halloween Helpers and organized a collection of gently used costumes. As the Halloween Helpers note, "Halloween is one of the most important events in a young child’s life. It provides lifelong memories, develops self-worth, and allows kids to play an active role in their community. Unfortunately, many children are unable to participate in this fun, annual experience because they do not have a costume." The mission of The Halloween Helpers is to collect previously-enjoyed, gently-used Halloween costumes and donate them to children who may not typically be able to participate in this yearly celebration.
They will store the donated costumes that we collected and distribute them to children next year. At Gen Z for Sustainability, we consider this a win-win. We can help children and at the same time, keep these gently used costumes out of landfill.
If you are interested in donating to the Halloween Helpers or hosting a future collection for them, you can contact them directly via the contact information on their website.
Presenting Original Research on Improving Curbside Recycling
12/5/23
Today, our President and Founder, Elena, presented some of her research at the International Conference on Advancing Sustainable Futures. This is a peer-reviewed conference bringing together environmental experts from around the world.
Elena's research presentation was titled, "Improving Curbside Recycling in the United States by Outreach and Education to Gen Z." The abstract is as follows:
Curbside recycling in the United States is vitally important due to both sustainability and environmental factors as well as economic reasons. However, curbside recycling is not as efficient and effective as it could be. According to the NGO The Recycling Partnership, only 32% of available recycles in single family homes gets recycled. In this study, I use survey methodology to examine the attitudes and perceptions of Gen Z (currently between 9-24 years old) on curbside recycling and I propose ways to improve it.
The conference addressed the four pillars of sustainability in line with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals: Technology, People and Culture, Environment, and Economics. The objectives of the conference are listed below:
- To provide a forum for international researchers and practitioners to debate the most pressing issues, and discuss, share, and exchange their latest research findings in the area of sustainability.
- To develop and promote a network of like-minded people who are passionate about a sustainable future.
- To empower decision makers by providing them with the most current research findings and policy needs in the areas of sustainability.
Sustainable Holidays Booth
12/9/23
Today we hosted a Sustainable Holidays table at Winter Fest! We had DIY pomander balls using
locally gathered Osage oranges and cloves, ideas for sustainable gifts, sustainable wrapping
paper, eco-friendly decoration ideas like dried orange slices and pinecone ornaments, and more!
We also helped educate community members about local recycling rules. There was a great
turnout from the community and we wish everyone a very happy, sustainable holiday season!
MLK Day Lightly Used Winter Clothing Drive
1/15/24
Today, we hosted a collection of lightly used winter coats and clothing for MLK Day. Many people are in need this winter. By donating clothes, you can help people AND reduce the amount of clothing in landfills. When clothing goes to landfill, it can take years to break down, and as it does break down, it releases gases that are harmful to the environment. Manufacturing new clothing uses water and energy. By giving clothing a second life, we are helping create a more circular economy and a more sustainable future. Want information on where to donate gently used clothing in your community? Contact your local school district or your State Representative to direct you to organizations currently accepting donations.
