Green Success Stories sat down with Ashleigh Dawson, president of Recycle2Riches (R2R). We discussed her vision for a circular economy, and her efforts to change the culture of consumption via communication, collaboration and community education. She revealed the comprehensive Life Cycle Analysis tool on R2R’s website, that empowers consumers and sustainable businesses to combat greenwashing within the “green product” sector. And we came up with a plan to use $1 billion to solve the climate crisis.

Tell us a bit about your sustainability journey.

I embarked on my environmental advocacy journey during my fashion internships in Los Angeles, California. It was there that I first encountered the issues of overproduction and the flawed linear economy prevalent today. At just 18 years old, driven by a clear vision, I founded Recycle2Riches.org. My primary aim with this non-profit is to revolutionize the global culture of consumption.

As the President of Recycle2Riches, I am a strong proponent of transitioning to a circular economy and adopting a closed-loop lifestyle. I also curate the Earth Day Summit, an annual one-day event focused on climate action that promotes the message of making Earth Day an everyday commitment for all participants.

I draw inspiration from the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on circularity and establishing myself as a leader in Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG). I am currently serving as a California Climate Action Corps fellow for the 2023-2024 term, working with LA Compost for 11 months.

Beginning in August 2024, I will embark on a new phase of my environmental journey. Looking ahead, I aim to undertake speaking engagements to further educate and increase awareness around the circular economy and ESG principles.

Tell us a bit about the product or solution you offer.

Recycle2Riches is changing the culture of consumption with communication, collaboration and community education.

Through our collective efforts, R2R aims to inspire individuals, companies and communities to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. Our approach involves not only raising awareness about environmental issues but also actively engaging with community members to empower them with the knowledge needed to make conscious consumption choices.

Driven by the belief that change starts at the grassroots level, Recycle2Riches focuses on community education programs to create a ripple effect of environmentally conscious practices. By instilling a sense of responsibility and promoting healthy sustainable habits, our team is working towards a future where environmental harmony is an integral part of daily life.

Recycle2Riches’s journey is a testament to the transformative positive impact and power of collaboration, communication, and community education in fostering the circular economy that respects and nurtures the planet we call home.

Share a green success story with us – how have you helped customers or other businesses in the fight against climate change?

I have developed a comprehensive Life Cycle Analysis designed to empower consumers and sustainable businesses to combat greenwashing within the “green product” sector. This tool, now available on our website, enables users to pose critical questions to any brand regarding their sustainability practices. The analysis encompasses five key aspects of sustainable production: resources, manufacturing, distribution, use, and end-of-life. By examining these five dimensions, we can accurately assess a product’s environmental impact and projected lifespan. This approach not only facilitates more conscientious shopping choices but also aids brands in articulating their sustainability narratives.

https://www.recycle2riches.org/join-the-directory.html

What would you do with $1 billion dollars?

With $1 billion dollars we would solve the climate crisis. We would do so through regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, and green building methods. You can see our vision for a closed-loop community on our website Recycle2Riches.org but below is a quick overview of the pathways we would invest in with $1 billion dollars. We have a long-term goal, as a non-profit 5o1(c)(3), to create off-the-grid, closed-loop communities that can gradually change the culture of consumption and improve the microclimate around them. Through carbon sequestration and regenerative agriculture methods, we can change the microclimate around these communities. R2R will build these communities in low-air quality, low-income areas to fight environmental racism as well as redlining in America and around the world. By partnering with low-income buildings we can bring regenerative solutions for sustainable infrastructure development!

Our vision: https://www.recycle2riches.org/r2rvision.html

What do you envision your industry looking like in ten years?

In ten years, I envision circularity being central to every discussion about products and lifestyle. Staying on the path of a linear economy will lead to the depletion of our scarce resources. I foresee a future where nature and humanity coexist harmoniously. Our buildings, sidewalks, and workspaces will all draw inspiration from nature’s biomimicry. In the future, everything will collaborate to strike a balance between protecting the environment and fostering human growth. I see a sustainable world where we have learned the consequences of extraction and overproduction.

What would you like readers to take away from this article?

Be more curious about what you consume and don’t simply trust what the packaging claims. Reach out to the producer with questions from our Life Cycle Analysis. It’s available to help the public learn to be better consumers. Remember, although we didn’t create the climate crisis, even a single raindrop can raise the sea. Imagine what we can achieve together to reduce overconsumption.

How should readers get in touch with you and/or your organization?

Please reach out to recycle2riches@gmail.com, or you can book a meeting with me through my calendar link: https://calendly.com/recycle2riches.

Kudos

Many thanks to Ashleigh Dawson and Recycle2Riches! Green Success Stories is happy to support and highlight their efforts. We invite you the reader to do the same.