What do environmental sustainability, electronic waste, and the justice system have in common? Employment opportunities in sustainability-related fields, known as “green jobs,” can help formerly incarcerated individuals to reenter society and successfully build their careers.
Since 2016, People Advancing Reintegration (PAR) Recycle Works, a non-profit organization based in North Philadelphia, provides valuable job training and practical skills to formerly incarcerated people. In the United States, individuals exiting prison frequently encounter insurmountable difficulties while rebuilding their lives, including restrictions in the job market or in obtaining safe and affordable housing. These barriers contribute to the recidivism epidemic plaguing the US criminal justice system. Nationwide, according to the US Department of Justice, 68% of individuals who are freed from prison will eventually be put behind bars again. For PAR Recycle Works employees, the recidivism rate is 5%.
Along the way, PAR provides important job readiness training for its employees. PAR General Manager Maurice Q. Jones describes the training further: “PAR employees receive education in digital and financial literacy, conflict management, and mental health strategies during their time here. We also hope to build a sense of personal accountability and dedication among our staff. These important and transferable skills help PAR employees secure steady jobs after their time with us.”
A PAR employee deconstructs server equipment.
PAR’s social mission extends beyond its work with formerly incarcerated people. Electronic waste, including discarded computers, printers, and network equipment among others, represents a significant environmental hazard. PAR’s President and Chairman of the Board, George Limbach, explains: “PAR Recycle Works aims to reduce our local community’s environmental impact by responsibly handling devices that, left untouched, can be detrimental to human and ecosystem health.” Electronic equipment and components, including computers, televisions, and batteries contain high levels of acids, heavy metals, and other chemicals. By diverting these materials from the waste stream, PAR prevents electronic waste from entering landfills, where they could pose a serious threat to watersheds, natural habitats, and our community.
Electronic waste is a major, but often overlooked, point of global environmental concern. In the US, e-waste represents only 2% of trash in landfills but equals 70% of overall toxic waste. According to the United Nations, between 20 and 50 million tons of e-waste are discarded annually, a figure set to increase as electronics play a larger role in business, schools, and daily life. PAR collects e-waste, particularly computer parts, from major corporations, law firms, local schools, and universities including the University of Pennsylvania, Haverford College, Villanova University, and Penn Charter.
A batch of electronic device motherboards, containing valuable and toxic materials
PAR Recycle Works is fundamentally a community organization. From employees, to the local community, to the environment, PAR’s mission and its impact are felt around the city. Jones sums this up: “PAR Recycle Works is making a difference both by improving people’s lives and reducing harmful electronic waste, one device at a time.”
Boyer Sudduth Intern, Harrison Lundy (second from left), and Mary Ann Boyer are proud to work with PAR Recycle Works.
For more information about PAR, visit par-recycleworks.org and check out PAR’s short video.
Article written by Harrison Lundy, Sustainability Intern at Boyer Sudduth Environmental Consultants. Harrison is a student at Amherst College with majors in Political Science & Environmental Studies.
Article published in the Chestnut Hill Local, Vol. LXIII, No. 39, Sept 1, 2022, page 4.
