Turning E-Waste into Good Jobs
Videos
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Civics, Engineering
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Grist
What it is
- This video shows how Amanda LaGrange and and her Saint Paul technology recycling business called Tech Dump is recycling and repurposing discarded technology while providing jobs and training for formerly incarcerated people.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This inspiring video shows that business models can be designed to solve multiple problems, such as electronic waste and employment for ex-offenders.
- The video description includes a link to the "Grist 50," a list of 50 people who are doing inspiring work for the environment.
Prerequisites
- This video begins with an advertisement.
- The audio is a little difficult to hear in the beginning of the video, so the teacher may wish to enable the closed captions.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Economics and life skills classes could work in pairs to come up with business models that can solve two problems: one environmental problem and one social problem.
- English classes could have students choose a person from the "Grist 50" link to read about. Students could write one or two sentences explaining the main idea behind the person's environmental work.
- Other resources on this topic include this NowThis Earth video on recycling e-waste in Nigeria and this Vox video on the challenges of recycling.
From the scientist review
This video resource does not have any science to verify. However, it does offer an example of how innovation and determination can positively impact the Earth. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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