Recycling

Submitted by bethjoconnell@g... on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 12:50

the problem:

The problems addressed by this project are vast and diverse. We are currently purchasing baskets and earrings made by Rwandan women struggling to provide or their families and reselling them in the United States to help them broaden their market and raise awareness of Rwandan issues In America. We hope to soon provide training to 25 more women in the village of Cyegera including how to make baskets and clothing as well as some marketing skills. This training program is the idea of the Rwandan women we currently work with.
Providing training and a means of income to these ladies addresses humanitarian issues including poverty, hunger, education, fallout of the genocide that occured in 1994, women's rights, and family planning. This project increases the chance of the children of these women to be educated and receive proper nutrition. It also encourages recycling and sustainability since the products are made from grass and recycling bean or rice bags. We also hope that empowering these ladies to use their own skills to provide for their families will inspire personal growth and empower them to greater progress.

vital stats:

people impacted:

30

people involved:

7

why it's important:

Mama Baskets is important to me because I know these women well and have seen both their sturggles and potential first hand. I have visited the village in which they live three times to date, one of these times being a ten-week stay in which I worked to address many community needs. These ladies are resourceful and kind women who have great potential if empowered and encouraged.

the plan of action:

The current plan of action is to continue purchasing and selling baskets and earrings and to find a funding source for the training project.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by visting our facebook page to purchase one of the items or by donating toward shipping costs or toward the training project.

project updates:

Submitted by reteeter on Tue, 02/07/2012 - 22:24

the problem:

Literacy is a vital aspect of society, but there are so many people not fortunate enough to have access to reading material and are put at a disadvantage. Additionally, countless products that are still in perfect condition are thrown out after one use, which adds unnecessary waste to landfills. Literacy and recycling are ever-present issues today. By helping people in refuge shelters, including a domestic violence shelter, a homeless shelter, and a soup kitchen, I am spreading literacy while recycling.

vital stats:

people impacted:

50

people involved:

10

why it's important:

I hope to have a career in the magazine industry because I love fashion, writing, graphic design, business, and everything a magazine is about. So, I started a magazine drive, like a canned food drive, where staff and students at my school donate new or used magazines to a bin located in my school library. I deliver those magazines to refuge shelters. This magazine drive allows others who normally wouldn't have easy access to the wonderful, glossy compositions to now have them at their fingertips. It's my way of spreading what magazines have to offer: literature in the form of current, exciting entertainment. In the process, I am also recycling in abundance. Over 700 magazines have been collected and redistributed in only five months.

the plan of action:

I started by getting information on how to start; magazineliteracy.org gave me the initial idea of a magazine drive. Then I contacted my guidance counselor to learn where these magazines could go. I got in touch with numerous shelter coordinators who were interested in receiving the magazines. After that, I gathered a few volunteers who would help me cut out mailing addresses on the magazines before delivery. I had to advertise the magazine drive by putting it on the school announcements and hanging signs. My school librarian agreed to be my adult sponsor for the project and let me put a large bin at the front of the school library. I applied for and received a grant of $75 for the project which was put towards a bin with wheels and other small necessities. The drive is now fully running. From my contacts at the refuge shelters, I have been told people enjoy the magazines. I have collected over 700 already.

how you can get involved:

Check out magazineliteracy.org to look for local magazine harvests where you may donate magazines. Maybe even start a magazine drive of your own!

project updates:

Submitted by kgahres on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 20:31

the problem:

We took in peoples clothing that didn't fit them and held a free clothing drive for the community to come and take whatever clothing they needed for free. The problem is the waste of clothing. A lot of clothing is produced every year and sits in dusty closets. We encourage people to go through their closets and donate what they don't use. The people who benefit from it is everyone! The people giving give what they don't use. The people taking the clothes use them for their lifestyle, save money by not buying new clothes, saves the environment of more unnecessary trash.

vital stats:

people impacted:

20

people involved:

2

why it's important:

It is important to me because I know people who have a problem over spending on clothing shopping with clothes that sit in their closet. I know in the community I live in, I am effected by both sides of the spectrum. I live in one of the most poorest cities in the United States and witness poverty. If I could take one need away from the families, clothing, they could focus their needs on another area. Clothing is something that can be worn till it has holes in. The stigma of only wearing clothes that are brand new is played out. More exchanging of clothing needs to take place. It will help the community with not spending unnecessary money, its free, and helping those who can't afford clothing.

the plan of action:

The plan of action is to continue collecting clothing seasonally. This is because typically people go through their clothes when they don't fit anymore. An having clothing drives and events where people can continually come and take what ever clothing they would like.

how you can get involved:

Spread the word. Ask their family members, friends, co-workers to collect clothing. Also if they know anyone who needs clothing to send them to our house.

project updates:

Submitted by PDXorganicpro on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 00:06

the problem:

Portland Organic Productions is working hard to solve problems facing community livability and sustainability. Portland Organic Productions is striving to maintain and promote a statewide sustainable communities growth through revitalization and preservation of our natural and rural areas. In keeping within the mission of the organization to promote healthy business communities, create a vibrant and diverse business districts, create sustainable and livable communities, increase social awareness of the environment and livability, encourage residents to shop local, and increase the spirit of community. Promoting economic and social common good in Portland, to create a once monthly revitalization and beautification event though out the Portland business districts, river fronts and neglected properties to cleanup litter, graffiti, and invasive plants, to install murals, to install rainwater gardens in public spaces, and water ways. This project is designed to make a direct impact on all Portland communities by helping to maintain a clean and safe space for commerce and community life.

vital stats:

people impacted:

34,198

people involved:

600

why it's important:

"I used to spend hours walking along the river bank in Cathedral Park picking up trash with a baby (Thor Foss). As a nanny and a mother I found it very rewarding, however, daunting. I had been longing to make this World a better place and create a positive global shift. My hope is that my son, whom I gave up adoption because of my young age, would be impacted by all my love and dedication to the good of humanity. I knew I could not do this alone...."

the plan of action:

The first step of action I took was going to a community meeting and complaining about the issue. I went to a Cathedral Park Neighborhood Association meeting and voiced my opinion. I was very passionate and disturbed by the abundance of litter along the river bank. when I asked the group who was in charge of the litter removal along the Willamette River the group responded in unison "You are." After just a moment of thinking about it I responded "Yes I am!"

The second step I took was working with local neighborhood activist seeking advice for sponsorship, policies and regulations (for Parks & Recreation and Sound permitting)to get this work done. I gained sponsorship though SOLVE and Metro during this first clean up. It took two months for me to plan the first clean up.

For the first year I spend around 1,000 of my own money to get things like: dumpster retails, permitting, electricity use and food and water bottles.

During the 2nd year I have spend only a few 100 dollars thanks to a sponsorship though Gunderson (a local industrial Superfund site contributor) and they started paying for the dumpster rental and food on occasion. Some local vendors started donating food upon my request.

PDXOP went about this mission by creating the Cathedral Park Clean UP (CPCU) events. These events have occurred consecutively every other month since inception. In the last two years PDXOP's events have removed over ten thousand pounds of trash, including tires, syringes, and glass off theriverside park. PDXOP has made a direct impact upon the beauty, health, safety, vitality,and preservation of St. Johns.

Now in the third year we are looking to expand the efforts of PDXOP outside of Cathedral Park and into the St. Johns business and residential district.

PDXOP has current plans to do a monthly revitalization and beautification event in the St. John's business district to cleanup litter, graffiti, and invasive plants, to install murals, to install rainwater gardensin public spaces, as well as Cathedral Park Clean Up events along the Willamette River.

how you can get involved:

We need help covering cost of supplies like: shovels, reusable waterproof gardening gloves, wheel barrels, web design and maintenance, exterior paints, paint brushes, artists time for painting murals, office space, native non-invasive rain water plants, and promotional materials.

project updates:

Submitted by jhernandez173 on Thu, 02/02/2012 - 10:49

the problem:

Our bad habits of making a mess in our town.

vital stats:

people impacted:

6

people involved:

5

why it's important:

It affects everyone not just myself.

the plan of action:

Set out and clean up those bad habits.

how you can get involved:

n/a

project updates:

Submitted by vbocca on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 22:54

the problem:

We're trying to clean up public places, for our community, around our school, parks, beaches and other public spaces

vital stats:

people impacted:

100

people involved:

12

why it's important:

Because I like helping my community

the plan of action:

to go around cleaning as much as we can, and recycling everything we find

how you can get involved:

n/a

project updates:

Submitted by ssweet4626 on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 20:31

the problem:

I am trying to bring awareness to the importance of recycling. Many people don't know how easy it is to do it!

vital stats:

people impacted:

0

people involved:

4

why it's important:

I believe that it helps our community. Because my town is considered one of the towns that has the highest risk of developing cancer, i believe it is very important to eliminate pollution.

the plan of action:

I will create ribbons for a fun and decorative way to increase the awareness and put them in mailboxes, on cars, on front doors and at school. etc.

how you can get involved:

n/a

project updates:

11 Green Facts About The Super Bowl

  1. Other than Thanksgiving, Americans consume the most amount of food on Super Bowl Sunday.
  2. More than 53.5 million pounds of avocados and 28 million pounds of chips are consumed on Super Bowl Sunday. In total, over $50 million is spent on food.
  3. In one stadium alone, past Super Bowls have generated an average of over 65 tons of trash each year.
  4. Although footballs are called “pigskins,” they were actually made from pig bladders. Footballs are now made from cowhide, taking about 3,000 cows to make enough footballs for one NFL season.

11 Must-Haves at a Super Bowl Party

Football Food

The Super Bowl is right around the corner, and you might wanna avoid some sloppy mistakes when you play host. 11 things that you should have at a party are:

Submitted by bri7232 on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 01:05

Check out our videos!

the problem:

Right now, more than 300,000 Kenyan youth live and work on the streets. Street youth face a life of disease, poverty, exploitation, and violence. Some street youth survive by collecting scrap metal for recycling as well as washing cars, while the more vulnerable turn to theft and prostitution. In Kenya, where education is neither free nor mandatory, many street youth have not completed Primary School let alone Secondary School. Millions of dollars are invested into humanitarian programs that offer food, clothing, and shelter, but they often fail to keep youth off the streets forever. In a country with an unemployment rate of 64% among youth between the ages of 18 and 35, street youth simply cannot compete in the job market.

vital stats:

people impacted:

300

people involved:

15

why it's important:

In 2008, I traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to volunteer with an HIV clinic in Mathare, the second largest slum in Kenya. The experience changed my life. Upon my return to the U.S. I changed my major from Biology to International Studies with the determination to go back to Kenya after I graduated.

I graduated in December 2010 and moved to Kenya in March 2011 determined to make a change in the world. Just a few short days after landing in Nairobi I met a former street boy, Wiclif Otieno. Wiclif's story, success, and passion for changing the lives of other street youth through KITO International was very inspiring. We became instant friends.

Wiclif taught me a lot about street life, poverty, and the importance of quality aid. I quickly fell in love with the KITO community and it didn't take long before Wiclif and I joined forces to continue KITO's growth.

the plan of action:

KITO believes that "moving off the streets" means "getting out of poverty." If street youth are given an economic opportunity that enables them to work their way out of poverty and become self-sufficient, they will stay off the streets forever.

Potential KITO youth are referred by partner organizations, recruited by team members, or apply on their own. KITO selects street youth through a participatory interview process. Successful applicants enter a vigorous 2 month training program which covers entrepreneurship, life skills, employability skills, and financial literacy. Upon graduation of KITO's Training Program, KITO youth are offered temporary employment with KITO's social enterprise, EcoSafi, where they learn to make bags from recycled material as well as practice the skills they have learned in a hands-on setting. KITO staff work tirelessly to customize each youth's exit strategy. KITO youth have the option to start their own business, go back to school, or find full-time employment.

how you can get involved:

Spreading the word about KITO International is very important to us. You can help us in these efforts by liking us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kitointernational) or following us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/kitointl). KITO International is always looking for volunteers, interns, and donations to help us achieve our mission. To learn more about us please visit www.kitointernational.org.

project updates:

videos:

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