Massachusetts Zero Waste Campaign Internship

Toxics Action Center
At Toxics Action Center, we believe that everyone has the right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live in a healthy community.  Our mission is to work side by side with New England residents to build strong groups to prevent and clean up toxics, while developing long-term leaders for the environmental movement.  Since 1987, Toxics Action Center has assisted more than 700 community groups working to prevent and clean up toxic pollution in their communities.  

Massachusetts is facing a trash problem. Bay State residents produced 13.9 million tons of waste in 2006, which is equivalent to 2.16 tons per person, more than any other New England state.  The Department of Environmental Protection predicts this number will grow to 18.3 million tons by 2020.   The state currently recycles approximately 33% of household waste, and recycling is going down.  In order to solve our waste problem, we must shift our waste systems to focus on producer responsibility, reduction and reclamation, recycling, and commercial composting programs, rather than burning and burying our trash.  We have launched our Zero Waste Campaign in Massachusetts to organize for these solutions.   

This year we have an incredible opportunity to make a lasting impact throughout the region. Massachusetts is currently drafting its plan for managing waste for the next decade.   We are working to influence this plan, as well as convince Governor Patrick to support zero waste instead of burning and burying.  Within the next three years we aim to have Massachusetts adopt a zero-waste goal and plan for the state and begin to implement that plan. We believe that what happens in Massachusetts this year will set a precedent for how trash is dealt with throughout the country.

Grassroots Internship Description and Goals:

·       Work with Don’t Waste Massachusetts alliance partners as well as Toxics Action members to:

·       Recruit community groups, environmental groups, and businesses across the state to support our zero waste platform

·       Develop fact sheets and other relevant materials needed to educate the public about zero waste

·       Identify legislators and experts in support of stopping new incinerators and promoting zero waste

·       Garner media hits in local papers and generate letters to the editor

·       Meet monthly with the statewide alliance on waste reduction, Don’t Waste Massachusetts

·       Conduct weekly check-in calls/meetings with Toxics Action organizer

Intern Qualifications, Logistics, and How to Apply:

Interns must have a concern for the environment and a desire to educate and organize residents in their communities. Experience working or studying environmental issues is preferred, but not required. Internships are unpaid; volunteer and course credit may be available. Many interns are successful in securing a stipend from their university. Internships are available year-round and applications are processed on a rolling basis. Hours and dates of work are flexible, but preferably full time for 10 weeks. To apply, send resume and cover letter to:

Sylvia Broude, 617-747-4407 , sylvia@toxicsaction.org

Toxics Action Center is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the base of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or veteran status.