Converting One Man's Trash Into Another Man's Hope

the problem:

As a frequent attendant of the local 24 Hour Fitness Gyms, I noticed that the bottles and cans frequently consumed by the fitness enthusiasts were always being thrown away inside the regular trash. However, with such a strong message in the community to recycle, I felt that it was necessary to make a change for both the environment and the world. In California, a CRV tax is placed on every single beverage container purchased. However, there are many recycling stations were the CRV can be redeemed, with a proceed of $.05 for containers less than 24 oz. and $.10 for containers greater than 24 oz. The Department of Conservation provided me black containers specifically labeled for recycling. I contacted the 24 Hour Fitness the Divisional Marketing Representative of Northern California and wrote a proposal stating my intentions regarding introducing a recycling program. Thus, I began driving in myenvironmentally Toyota Prius, bi-weekly obtaining the bottles and cans discarded at the five different gyms. Not only did I recycle, which helped the environment, but I also had intentions to give the proceeds obtained from the recycling station to build water wells in Africa. My motto, “Let’s convert one man’s trash into another man’s hope, this hope is solely precious water!” acted as a catalyst for both environmental and developmental change. The project in March 2007, and in January 2008, I successfully donated $3300 to an organization, Africa Oasis Project, who built water wells in Tanzania, Africa. Tanzania, in 2004, was regarded the world’s poorest country, lacking the development necessary for a well being for the majority of citizens. My initial desire to change the world, both environmentally and physically, has made me realize how a single dream can eventually turn into a concrete accomplishment, transforming hope into action.
http://fikiatanzania.squarespace.com/aop-news/
This is the URL for an article written about my accomplishments
My motivation to begin this project sparked initially while watching a documentary of entertainment stars assisting the world, I was intrigued and amazed by the actions of Jay-Z, an acclaimed musician in the Hip-Hop industry. Jay-Z had visited a rural village in Africa and documented how most villagers obtain water, which required many children to travel miles to reach a fresh stream. However, with the placement of a water well, this hard work would not be necessary. Another event which motivated me was witnessing homeless people search for bottles and cans in garbage disposals. Although many people could observe and judge the homeless people in a negative way, I was intrigued to find out how recycling helps the lives of these people. Eventually, I became aware that recycling stations give money to those who recycle. Thus from the actions of Jay-Z and donation to build a water well as well as the search for bottles and cans, I was motivated to make a change.
I was able to donate $3300 to an organization, Africa Oasis Project, who focused on build water wells in rural villages in Africa, specifically in Kinzudi La Samia, Tanzania. With my father's heritage evolving from Africa, I felt this location was appropriate for his goal; $3300 is an equivalent to the building of one water well. Previous to building a water well, water was supplied to the village by transportation, which became very expensive as the oil prices continued to rise. However, my project of both recycling and donating has not ceased, as my bi-weekly visits to the fitness gyms are still continuing, with hope of expansion during the summer. Not only did I help under-privileged people in Africa, but I was also able to recycle an approximation of 30,000 bottles, assisting the environment in the reduction of landfill. Through the accomplishments of this project, I finally became aware of the true “American Dream” which represents any motivation or desire sought in this world.

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