Comments on: The Trash Economy

By: Hodan Ibrahim

Hodan Ibrahim — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 17:21:02 +0000

Reblogged this on Hodan Ibrahim.

By: larrycheng

larrycheng — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 01:28:08 +0000

Ben, I think your critique is fair which is why I’d rather emphasize what local organizations are doing that understand the problem far better than I do. Based on what I’ve seen, I think both organizations are addressing the needs of the communities they serve to the best of their ability. I do think the overall problem – which is really a fundamental poverty issue – is beyond the scope of either organization. I don’t know if any single organization is in a position to fundamentally solve the root causes of poverty as it gets into issues of government, politics, culture, law, etc. But, in my mind, even if there are organizations not addressing the root cause, I’m still thankful for these organizations if they’re just helping the people impacted.

By: Ben Sears

Ben Sears — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 18:26:06 +0000

Larry, in that case, how can you be certain that Potter’s House, Grace Community Empowerment and others are truly solving the problem?

I certainly don’t mean to dismiss their well-intentioned contributions…but in my experience, I’ve seen firsthand that well-intentioned Westerners donating funds and time fail to make a lasting impact as they don’t truly understand the cultures in underdeveloped markets.

The Stanford SEED Program has conducted some insightful research in this area:

http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/seed/forum.html

By: larrycheng

larrycheng — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 16:54:30 +0000

Ben, I’d rather highlight the people who are really working to solve the problem like Potter’s House and Grace Community Empowerment. Any efforts I make around this issue wouldn’t in any way compare to the daily effort that is put out by the individuals serving on the ground.

By: larrycheng

larrycheng — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 16:48:16 +0000

That actually makes sense and isn’t a surprise. Without the dumpsite, these people may not have access to an income stream. The problem is clearly not just about location, but a much broader one than that.

By: Philippines

Philippines — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 11:34:01 +0000

Philippines has had some success with scavengers being relocated but relocation without jobs will not entail the long term sustainability. Many people return to their old dwelling at dump sites as they need to make a living.

By: Ben Sears

Ben Sears — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 02:10:15 +0000

Larry,

Very kind of you to write about the plight of scavengers and slum dwellers in Guatemala and the Phillippines.

Since I find it unlikely that you might highlight such a topic — on a personal blog, at that — without personally helping to address this problem, could you describe your efforts in this arena?

Many thanks
Ben