Consumer Packaging, E-Waste Program Intern

ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION
As You Sow is a nonprofit organization that promotes environmental and social responsibility through corporate dialogue, shareholder advocacy, and innovative legal strategies. Founded in 1992, we are one of the nation's leading practitioners of shareholder advocacy, moving companies to take greater responsibility for the social and environmental impact of their operations. We mobilize investor coalitions, engage in dialogue with companies, provide technical consulting, file shareholder resolutions, and conduct unique shareholder solicitation initiatives to raise awareness and promote more responsible corporate behavior.

POSITION SUMMARY
Landfilling rather than recycling consumer products and packaging has enormous environmental and energy impact. For example, the amount of aluminum cans we discard annually in the U.S. could build 25,000 commercial jetliners! The bottles, cans and other packaging we throw away are valued at $11 billion a year. Producer responsibility for product packaging and electronic waste are two programs where As You Sow has been a leader in successfully moving companies to take additional responsibility.

We are seeking an intern to provide research and program support to the Senior Program Director to build a stronger case for producer responsibility mandates through policy and product research on packaging and electronics recycling. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) shifts responsibility for collecting and recycling post-consumer goods from taxpayers to producers. The intern will assist with research strengthening the case for consumer goods, grocery and beverage companies to take financial responsibility for recycling of post-consumer packaging. There may also be opportunities to work on promoting responsible take back and recycling of electronic equipment by major electronics retailers. More information on this program may be found here.

Major Responsibility:

• Assist Senior Program Director in building stronger case for mandated producer responsibility policies through program, policy and product research on packaging and electronics recycling

Focus likely in these areas:

• Work with corporate brand(s) on recyclability and recycled content of their product packaging
• Study impact of non-recyclable or hard to recycle packaging like polystyrene foam and flexible plastic laminate pouches
• Links between poor packaging recycling and increased ocean debris and pollution
• Research recyclability of fast food containers and packaging
  • Availability of electronics recycling in specific geographic areas
  • Document strengths, weaknesses of existing electronic waste take back programs operated by Best Buy, Dell, Goodwill and others.
  • Work with a fast food brand to help develop on-site packaging recycling
  • Assist as needed in shareholder dialogues with beverage, grocery, consumer products or electronics companies

Qualifications:

• Personal commitment to progressive social change
• In pursuit of Graduate degree, preferably in a relevant area such as business or economics
• Background in environmental issues
• Strong analytical skills to critique corporate social and environmental policies and practices
• Strong communication skills and phone manner; good writing ability
• Facility with databases and online interfaces
• Ability to organize and prioritize work
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail

STATUS
3 month, 10-15 hour/week minimum commitment; Stipend and transportation cost reimbursement; School credit where available.

LOCATION

We are flexible. You can work at our office or anywhere with internet and phone access.