Liz Ricketts, a pioneering individual, co-founded and currently serves as the executive director of The Or Foundation, a non-profit organization that bridges the gap between environmental justice, education, and fashion development, with a significant presence in both the United States and Ghana.
Under her visionary leadership, The Or Foundation has embarked on a groundbreaking, multi-year, and multifaceted research project known as Dead White Man's Clothes (DWMC),which explores the complex and often overlooked phenomenon of the "afterlife" of clothing within the context of the renowned Kantamanto market in Accra, Ghana.
Liz, in her capacity as the executive director, is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the foundation, which are divided into three primary tiers of focus. The first tier, material waste transformation, involves the conversion of discarded materials into valuable resources, thereby reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
The second tier, direct relief, entails providing immediate assistance to those in need, whether it be through the distribution of essential goods or the provision of critical services. This tier is essential in addressing the pressing needs of the Kantamanto community, which is a key partner in the foundation's efforts.
The third tier, ecotoxicology research and remediation, involves the study of the harmful effects of toxic substances on the environment and the development of strategies to mitigate these effects. This tier is crucial in ensuring that the foundation's efforts are not only sustainable but also environmentally responsible.
As the foundation works in solidarity with the Kantamanto community, it is seeking to create a justice-led circular textiles economy in Accra. This ambitious goal involves the development of a closed-loop system in which materials are constantly cycled back into production, minimizing waste and promoting a more sustainable future. Through this initiative, the foundation aims to create positive change in the lives of individuals and communities, while also protecting the environment for future generations.
Liz and her team, in a groundbreaking effort, have joined forces with community members to spearhead the Stop Waste Colonialism campaign, a pioneering initiative that seeks to bring about far-reaching change by advocating for Extended Producer Responsibility policies that are not only locally accountable but also globally responsible.
Through this campaign, Liz and her team are working tirelessly to ensure that the transition to a more circular economy is not only environmentally sustainable but also socially just, and that the burden of this transition is not shouldered by marginalized communities or exploited in any way.
By promoting Extended Producer Responsibility policies, the Stop Waste Colonialism campaign aims to hold producers accountable for the waste generated by their products, and to encourage them to take a more active role in reducing waste and promoting recycling.
This campaign is a testament to Liz's commitment to using her platform to bring about positive change and to her dedication to creating a more just and sustainable world.
Liz's groundbreaking endeavors with The Or Foundation have garnered widespread acclaim for their pioneering efforts in fostering a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible fashion industry. Through a multifaceted approach, The Or Foundation is tirelessly working to mitigate the industry's profound ecological footprint and dismantle systemic injustices.
As a champion of sustainability and equity, Liz's work has been lauded for its bold and innovative strategies in addressing the complex interplay between environmental degradation and social inequality. Her tireless dedication to this noble cause has inspired a new generation of industry leaders to reexamine their own practices and strive for a more regenerative and just fashion ecosystem.
To learn more about The Or Foundation's cutting-edge initiatives and how you can get involved, please visit theor.org and stopwastecolonialism.org.
