LAS VEGAS – Goodwill of Southern Nevada (Goodwill®) and Meow Wolf Las Vegas have partnered to host an event that raises awareness on the importance of donating electronics responsibly. In honor of International E-Waste Day, the event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 14, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the parking lot of AREA15 located at 3215 South Rancho Drive. The event will include an electronics donation drive and the unveiling of a one-of-a-kind desert tortoise e-waste sculpture crafted by local artist Luis Valera-Rico.
“Goodwill of Southern Nevada is thrilled to be partners in an event that inspires creativity within our community and serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of recycling electronics responsibly,” said Richard (“Rick”) D. Neal, Jr., president and CEO of Goodwill of Southern Nevada. “Year to date, Goodwill retail stores across Southern Nevada have sold 1.68M electronic items and have recycled 236,670 pounds of e-waste, keeping them away from landfills and reducing the hazard they pose to the environment.”
The sculpture made of donated electronics is one of several projects Valera-Rico has on display throughout Southern Nevada. “This project speaks to me because I am conscious of how human convenience is damaging our planet in irreparable ways,” said Luis Varela-Rico.
“Meow Wolf remains committed to our mission of fostering community and supporting emerging artists,” said Christy Sakamoto, Program & Outreach Manager for Meow Wolf Las Vegas. “We are thrilled to partner with Goodwill through this initiative that guides e-waste out of landfills and repurposes it in an impactful and artful way.”
The Global E-Waste Monitor 2020 estimates that electronic waste will reach 74 MT globally by 2030, making it the fastest growing domestic waste stream on the planet. The need to educate consumers on donating electronics responsibly has never been more urgent. Goodwill is proud to partner with Meow Wolf to celebrate International E-Waste Day and be part of the solution.
Goodwill accepts electronic donations and all other donations at 17 retail stores and 6 attended donation centers throughout the valley. To find a Goodwill location, visit GoodwillVegas.org/locations.