COMMUNITY SERVICE: Jaclyn Jablkowski describes Build It Green!NYC as a place to donate or purchase recycled material in an attempt to keep waste out of landfills.
Jablkowski, the communications manager for Build it Green, said the non-profit not only works to provide material for people to use, but also provides construction workers for de-construction projects.
Since April is “Earth Month,” and “Earth Day” is on April 22, Jablkowski said the organization will host a wide variety of events to promote awareness of environmental protection.
Build It Green’s center, at 3-17 26th Avenue in Astoria, has been in operation since 2005 and has a second location in Brooklyn that opened in late 2011.
JOB/BACKGROUND: Jablkowski has been involved in environmental projects for nearly her entire life, both professionally and as a volunteer, previously having worked with Solar One, the organization responsible for maintaining Stuyvesant Cove Park in Manhattan.
“This is just what I love to do,” Jablkowski said about working to improve the environment.
In her spare time, she enjoys going to live music shows. She is also currently working to create a Build it Green! softball team.
“I’m very excited about that,” she said.
INSPIRATION: Jablkowski’s inspiration in working with Build it Green! and other green projects comes from her concern about the environment. “We’re hoping to make New York City a greener city,” she said.
FAVORITE MEMORY: Jablkowski said her favorite memories come from the people who benefit from Build it Green!
“Whenever I hear how people are going to be able to take recycled material and turn it into something new, it always reminds me of why I’m doing what I do.”
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Jablkowski says the biggest roadblock for Build It Green! is the fact that the Stuyvesant Cove Parkbrings most waste to far-off landfills, and as a result, people don’t physically see the waste, and don’t think of it as that big of a problem.
-BY ANTHONY O’REILLY
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