Ground Score Association, based in Portland, is a collective that provides low-barrier waste material management jobs to individuals who may struggle to find or keep traditional employment. One of their programs, called GLITTER, offers participants the opportunity to earn $80 in cash for a four-hour shift of clearing the city’s sidewalks of plastic and other trash. The selection process for this program involves a lottery, where individuals are chosen randomly without the need for drug tests or background checks.
Chris Parker, one of the lucky lottery winners, shared his story of struggling to find stable employment after being laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many participants in Ground Score’s programs are homeless when they start but have an 80 percent chance of securing housing after a year of working with the organization. This success is attributed to the supportive community and opportunities provided by Ground Score, such as the GLITTER program.
Terrance Freeman, a team leader at Ground Score, shared his journey of overcoming alcohol addiction while working at a gas station before joining the GLITTER program. Another team member, Dana Detten, also known as Peanut, spent eight years homeless before finding employment with Ground Score. Kevin Grigsby, who struggled with mental health issues and substance abuse, credits Ground Score for putting him on a better path.
Ground Score’s approach to waste management is unique in that it recognizes and formalizes the work of waste pickers, who play a crucial role in keeping streets clean and recycling materials. Waste pickers, estimated to manage up to 80 percent of some cities’ municipal waste, often work outside of formal government waste management systems and are underappreciated for their contributions.
The organization’s mission goes beyond waste management, aiming to build community and change society’s perceptions of who and what is considered valuable. Ground Score’s model has the potential to address both social and environmental issues, such as creating stronger social safety nets and combating the plastic waste crisis. As waste pickers worldwide fight for recognition and fair compensation, Ground Score’s approach in Portland serves as a promising example of how similar programs could be implemented in other cities to support marginalized communities and promote sustainable waste management practices. Waste pickers play a crucial role in boosting recovery rates for various materials, including cardboard, aluminum, other metals, e-waste, and textiles. These individuals collect and sort recyclable materials, often selling them to recycling companies or brokers to earn a living. In some regions, waste pickers also collect aluminum cans and plastic bottles to claim rebates determined by bottle bill laws.
One significant impact of waste pickers’ activities is their contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. For example, a study conducted in Salvador, Brazil, found that waste pickers helped avoid over 27,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions between 2010 and 2022 by enabling recycling and reducing the need for raw materials like aluminum and PET plastic. Additionally, by diverting paper and cardboard from landfills, waste pickers help decrease methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.
The importance of waste pickers in waste management and sustainability has been highlighted in global discussions surrounding a United Nations treaty to end plastic pollution. Waste pickers are considered the “human face” of the treaty, as they are on the front lines of plastic pollution and contribute significantly to recycling efforts. The treaty negotiations also emphasize the need for a just transition for waste pickers whose livelihoods may be affected by changes in waste management practices.
Ground Score, a peer-led initiative founded in Portland, Oregon, is an example of an organization that supports waste pickers and promotes sustainable waste management practices. Unlike traditional waste picking activities focused on recyclable materials, Ground Score’s GLITTER program addresses non-recyclable “microtrash” and other waste destined for landfills or incinerators. The program is funded by the City of Portland’s Homelessness and Urban Camping Impact Reduction Program and local business associations, providing compensation to workers for their efforts.
Overall, waste pickers play a crucial role in recycling, reducing waste, and mitigating climate change. Their work not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also provides a source of income for individuals in various communities around the world. Efforts to support and recognize waste pickers are essential for building more inclusive and effective waste management systems globally. The Homeless Services Department, a collaboration between Portland and Multnomah County, has been instrumental in supporting programs like GLITTER, which highlight the valuable contributions of waste pickers to the community. The department has provided funding raised through a supportive housing services tax, showing a commitment to initiatives that benefit those experiencing homelessness.
GLITTER, a program organized by Ground Score, emphasizes the importance of waste pickers in keeping city streets clean. By collecting trash and preventing buildup, waste pickers like those in GLITTER play a crucial role in maintaining a clean environment. Additionally, Ground Score operates The People’s Depot, a dropoff point for canners who collect and sell used cans and bottles. This program provides canners with a source of income and promotes recycling in the community.
Kris Brown, the operational manager at The People’s Depot, shares his experience as a former canner and highlights the value of this work. He emphasizes that collecting cans and bottles is a form of employment that allows individuals to earn money with dignity. The People’s Depot offers an alternative to traditional deposit locations, providing a more welcoming and respectful environment for waste pickers.
The success of deposit return systems in increasing recycling rates is evident, with cans covered by deposit systems being recycled at a rate of 74 percent in the U.S. The People’s Depot serves as a model for waste picker-led recycling programs, offering a community space where canners can be respected and supported. Brown envisions this program as a blueprint for expanding similar initiatives in other cities.
Overall, Ground Score’s work with waste pickers and recycling programs showcases the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of marginalized communities. By supporting initiatives like GLITTER and The People’s Depot, the Homeless Services Department and its partners are working towards creating a more inclusive and sustainable city for all residents. Weber and Cass Talbott, in collaboration with the International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP), played a crucial role in drafting the organization’s 2023 report titled “Vision for a Just Transition for Waste Pickers under the UN Plastics Treaty.” This report highlights the significant environmental importance of waste pickers’ work and advocates for their direct involvement in plastics-related policymaking.
One of the key recommendations in the report is the implementation of “universal registration” of waste pickers in local and national databases. This initiative aims to enroll waste pickers in social benefits programs and integrate them more formally into the plastics recycling value chain. By recognizing the essential role waste pickers play in waste management and recycling, the report underscores the need for their inclusion in decision-making processes.
To further support waste pickers and promote their rights, Cass Talbott emphasizes the importance of building relationships with policymakers at the local and regional levels. By engaging with government officials and advocating for waste pickers’ contributions, collective efforts can lead to greater recognition and support for their work. Ground Score, an organization highlighted in the report, has successfully leveraged partnerships with governmental programs to secure contracts and advance its mission.
The concept of a “just transition” for the waste sector is a central theme in the report, addressing the potential conflict between reducing plastic production and safeguarding waste pickers’ livelihoods. While efforts to decrease plastic production are crucial for environmental sustainability, it is essential to consider the impact on waste pickers who rely on plastic waste for income. Finding a balanced approach that supports both environmental goals and the livelihoods of waste pickers is key to achieving a sustainable future.
Members of organizations like Ground Score express a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. They advocate for accountability from companies that produce plastic waste and aspire to reduce the global impact of plastic pollution. Despite the challenges they face, waste pickers like Christine Alix remain dedicated to keeping streets clean and mitigating the effects of urban displacement.
The team at Ground Score reflects on the transformative power of their work, with many individuals crediting the organization for providing them with a sense of purpose and stability. The opportunity to engage in meaningful work and contribute to their communities has had a profound impact on their lives, leading to personal growth and a renewed sense of self-worth.
In conclusion, the IAWP’s report underscores the vital role of waste pickers in environmental conservation and calls for greater recognition and support for their contributions. By advocating for a just transition that prioritizes both environmental sustainability and the well-being of waste pickers, the report aims to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all. The concept of mindfulness has gained significant popularity in recent years, with more and more people turning to this ancient practice as a way to cope with the stresses of modern life. But what exactly is mindfulness, and how can it benefit our mental and physical well-being?
Mindfulness is the practice of bringing one’s attention to the present moment, without judgment. It involves being fully aware of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the environment around us. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a greater sense of clarity, focus, and emotional balance.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. When we are mindful, we are better able to observe our thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. This can help us to break free from negative thought patterns and reduce the impact of stress on our bodies and minds.
In addition to reducing stress, mindfulness has been shown to have a range of other benefits for mental health. Research has found that mindfulness can improve mood, increase self-awareness, and enhance emotional regulation. It can also help to improve relationships, as mindfulness can help us to be more present and attentive in our interactions with others.
On a physical level, mindfulness has been shown to have a range of health benefits. Studies have found that mindfulness can reduce blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and boost the immune system. It can also help to reduce chronic pain, as mindfulness can help us to develop a different relationship with our pain and reduce the suffering associated with it.
There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, from formal meditation practices to informal mindfulness exercises. One popular form of mindfulness meditation is mindfulness of the breath, where we focus our attention on the sensation of breathing in and out. Other mindfulness practices include body scan meditations, where we bring our attention to different parts of the body, and loving-kindness meditations, where we cultivate feelings of compassion and kindness towards ourselves and others.
In conclusion, mindfulness is a powerful practice that can have a range of benefits for our mental and physical well-being. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop greater awareness, clarity, and emotional balance, and reduce the impact of stress on our bodies and minds. Whether through formal meditation practices or informal mindfulness exercises, incorporating mindfulness into our daily lives can help us to lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
