The Why

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The Why 〰️

The Why

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Environmental Restoration

The average Ghanaian produces about 1 pound of waste per day, compared to nearly 5 pounds in the United States. Although Ghanaians produce far less waste than people in high-consumption countries, they carry more than their fair share of the world’s discarded plastics and textiles. ReRoot partners with local changemakers to restore beaches, rivers, and communities, building solutions that keep materials in use and create opportunities for both people and the planet.

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Shared Responsibility

Waste doesn’t stop at borders. Much of Ghana’s plastic and textile waste comes from countries with advanced recycling systems. Supporting recycling and recovery efforts in Ghana isn’t charity - it’s shared responsibility. Together, we can reduce global waste and show what collective stewardship of our planet can look like.

An elderly woman wearing a colorful kente cloth headwrap and shirt, a large red bead necklace, hoop earrings, and a medical face mask, with a neutral background.

Community Health

Air pollution in Ghana is estimated to result in 28,000 premature deaths annually. Burning and dumping waste release toxins into the air and water, contributing to respiratory problems, infections, and flooding. Blocked drains and polluted environments also create ideal breeding grounds for malaria and other preventable diseases. Cleaner waste management systems mean healthier families, safer neighborhoods, and stronger communities.

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circular economy

Less than 10% of Ghana’s waste is recycled. Each year, more than 100,000 tons of used textiles are imported, and in markets like Kantamanto, nearly 40% of those items are unsellable and turn into waste. ReRoot works with local entrepreneurs to reimagine these materials – turning what looks like trash into something useful, fostering creativity, job opportunity, and local resilience.

A young man smiling, wearing an orange safety vest and a beige wide-brimmed hat, making a peace sign with his hand, outdoors in a residential area.

dignified green jobs

Across Ghana, thousands of people earn a living collecting and sorting waste, often without proper protection or fair pay. ReRoot works alongside these workers to strengthen training, safety, and income, helping turn vital but undervalued labor into dignified, sustainable green jobs that benefit families and communities.

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healthier future generations

Children deserve safe places to grow, learn, and play. By improving how waste is managed today, we can help build a future where Ghana’s next generation breathes cleaner air, drinks safer water, and grows up in communities free from pollution.

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Please Note: Re|Root Collaborative has applied to the IRS for 501(c)(3) tax-exemption and our status is pending approval. The IRS allows donors to contribute to nonprofits with tax-exempt status pending approval. Once the IRS approves our application, your donation is fully tax-deductible and we’ll provide you written confirmation.