Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Bunker.
Hi Alex, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My environmental career started at age 11 when I read an article titled “Paving over the Wekiva.” When I first moved to Florida, my family and I discovered the beauty of crystal clear springs that were only 10 min from my home. I spent countless hours swimming and hiking at Wekiva and when I learned that the health of this magical water was being threatened by a proposed parkway, I was driven to take action. This led to years of lobbying state and local officials, as well as testifying on behalf of the Wekiva Basin. Because of my advocacy, at the age of 15, the Governor’s office asked me to speak at the Wekiva Parkway and Projection Act signing. This bill remains a preeminent example of merging environmental protections with road infrastructure.
After serving on several boards and volunteering with environmental organizations, my next milestone was to become the youngest public official in the State of Florida, serving as a Supervisor on the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District at just 18 years old, where I served for over four years. This was pivotal for me because instead of just being an advocate, I was sitting at the table alongside the other decision-makers. At that time, I was also pursuing my education in environmental studies, but a guiding desire of mine was to have a career with purpose. In fact, this curiosity led me to travel the U.S. and produce a series with my best friend, and interview professionals across multiple industries with some of the coolest “Green Dream Jobs.” I am pleased to say, I have had a few “Green Dream Jobs of my own, as I have worked with amazing non-profit organizations that are truly making an impact in our world. I helped start up the regional office for the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce and now I work with Recycle Across America as their National Program Director.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, the road has definitely not been a smooth one. With environmental causes, there always seems to be a fight against large enterprises, which has proven challenging in almost all of my environmental experiences. I would also say that overcoming the way I was perceived because of my age was a struggle early on in my career, as I was typically the youngest at the table by a few decades. While the road has not been smooth, I have always been supported by friends, family, mentors, and colleagues that have made my personal and professional journey easier.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my current position with the non-profit Recycle Across America (RAA), we are working to make it easier for the public to be able to recycle right, wherever they are, with the world’s first and only society-wide standardized labeling system for recycling bins. We know recycling is such a critical action that improves not only our environment but also our economy as well as manufacturing. Strong recycling cultures also limit the amount of waste going into oceans – but recycling doesn’t work if we are all confused at the bin. The standardized labels reduce the amount of garbage thrown in recycling bins, which in turn makes recycling economically viable. While Recycle Across America is a national non-profit, there has been a tremendous amount of movement for this mission in Central Florida with the adoption of the standardized labels on bins in places like Orlando City Soccer Stadium, Orlando International Airport, Advent Health, UCF, Rollins, Winter Park, Valencia, City of Orlando outdoor spaces, Orange County Public Schools, etc. I am so grateful to be part of the Recycle Across America team. I get to make an impact each and every day and work with inspirational partners from communities and industries across the world.
How the standardized labels helped Orange County Public Schools: OCPS recycling levels increased 90% and in the first year after implementing the labels they saved 1.3 million dollars in landfill hauling fees in the first two years after implementation. Want to help be a part of the solution? Text FIX IT to 40649 to ask your elected officials to be part of the solution to fix the waste and recycling crisis in your community, in our country, and globally. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel or HELP for help. Go to recycleacrossamerica.org/privacy-policy for privacy and terms. Know of a company or community that would be interested in adopting the standardized labels? Reach out at Info@recycleacrossamerica.org.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
As part of Rotary International, I had the opportunity to live in Rome for an entire year when I was 16. It gave me my first real experience abroad and was just the beginning of many travels I have taken around the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.recycleacrossamerica.org
Image Credits
Image descriptions if they are helpful: 1st image: Standardized labels on recycling and trash bins at JFK airport 2nd Image: Photoshoot with Mayor Dyer for Recycle Across America PSA’s (Alex Bunker, Mayor Dyer, Mitch Hedlund, Chris Castro) 3rd Image: America Recycles Day event at Orlando International Airport 4th Image: Recycle Across America PSA with a Florida celebrity
