NAACP Formally Endorses Recycle For Change Environmental Stewardship
Manhattan Beach, CA (PRWEB) June 01, 2016 -- The Hawaii-California NAACP State Convention, citing Recycle for Change efforts in promoting environmental stewardship through the recycling of textiles and noting their commitment to giving back to communities most effected by climate change, passed a resolution formally acknowledging Recycle for Change as a partner with the NAACP in the fight for environmental justice.
“Recycle for Change has been a leader in serving our community,” said NAACP President Alice Huffman. “We are proud to support their efforts to remove textiles, reduce CO2 pollution and provide easy access for our communities to recycle their clothes.”
“Environmental Justice is an issue we take seriously and Recycle for Change is a partner with us in leading this fight,” Huffman added.
In NAACP panel discussions it became markedly clear that the link between climate change and environmental justice was undeniable. Left unaddressed the consequences will be dire for working families and especially for people of color. The panel discussed the inextricable link between a healthy planet and healthy families. The air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil in which we grow our food all play a role in human health.
The NAACP has been at the forefront in promoting environmental stewardship because economically disadvantaged communities are hit the hardest with the impact of pollution.
Jacqueline Patterson, Director of the Environmental and Climate Justice Program for the NAACP gave a presentation showing the link between the environment and our health. Climate change has a disproportionate impact on communities of color in the United States and abroad. The NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program’s purpose is to educate and mobilize communities to address this human and civil rights issue.
“One topic that kept resurfacing was the need for enriching youth engagement.” Patterson said “All panelists all agreed that the key to bringing environmental issues to the forefront and enacting meaningful change begins with engaging our youth, teaching environmental justice issues in the classroom, and finding ways to get youth involved hands on in climate action.”
“Recycle for Change is actively working in the Bay Area to conduct environmental outreach and engage the local youth and we support these efforts.” Patterson said.
Recycle for Change spokesperson Alexandra Hoffmann noted that NAACP support would help to educate the public and especially government officials of the benefits of recycling textiles.
“The NAACP is a powerful voice to the underserved communities we service.” Hoffmann said. “Recycle for Change is proud to have the NAACP as a powerful ally in our fight for environmental justice.”
“Recycle for Change is committed to help end climate change and poverty and those efforts are strengthened by this new partnership.” Hoffmann added.
Recycle for Change is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that collects and recycles used clothing and shoes to protect the environment and support sustainable development work across the globe.
In many cities around the San Francisco Bay Area they are the most readily available (or even the sole) environmentally responsible option for people to dispose of their unwanted clothing and shoes. Recycle for Change helps save resources and lessen environmental impacts by reducing waste.
Sophia Duus, Recycle for Change, http://www.recycleforchange.org, +1 5109323839, [email protected]
Share this article