Inclusive Sustainability

Issue Area: Inclusive Sustainability

The Global Fairness Initiative works to achieve environmental sustainability through inclusive initiatives and programs around the world. GFI works with communities, consumers, governments, and the private sector to promote inclusive sustainability models that improve the environment and the lives of those living within it. Communities, particularly marginalized ones, should be empowered to play a role in policymaking, green supply chains, and other points of leverage in green economies, and GFI works to achieve this in our work.

Sustainability Program Profiles

The Recyclers Leadership Initiative (RLI) aimed to strengthen the recycling value chain, support the economic, social, and environmental inclusion of waste pickers, and improve the working conditions of waste pickers with an emphasis on occupational health and increasing incomes.

GFI and Ciudad Saludable, a Peruvian NGO, worked with hundreds of recyclers in municipalities across Peru to enable the formalization of unorganized recyclers and strengthen existing recycling centers through targeted skills development, professional development, and organizational strengthening. The formalization of associations and recycling centers improved efficiencies in waste collection, increased incomes for the recyclers, and is contributing to a culture of recycling.

The Salt Workers Economic Empowerment Program (SWEEP) is a collaborative project of GFI and the Self Employed Workers Economic Women’s Association (SEWA) designed to improve economic opportunity and empowerment for women salt farmers and introduce environmentally sustainable energy solutions to lower production costs so that the poor too can benefit from “green technology.” Capitalizing on sustainable technology and production methods, improved links to high-value markets and greater local control of energy costs, SWEEP gives women salt producers tools, access and voice to better realize profits and maximize their personal and community livelihood goals.