Pelican Products donates e-scrap to support underserved communities

Pelican Products Inc., based in Torrance, California, has partnered with the nonprofit group human-I-T of Long Beach, California, to turn the company's end-of-life electronics into reusable products for underserved communities. 

Pelican, a company that manufactures protective cases and packaging, says 22 pallets of technology were donated, resulting in more than 11,000 pounds of electronics being diverted from landfills. Human-I-T will refurbish and redistribute the material collected to students and families experiencing the digital divide.

"We recognize that we can't accomplish our sustainability goals alone," says Sharon Ward, director of corporate communication at Pelican Products. "Sustainability requires partnership, and we are proud to join forces with an organization that does more than recycle products but uses donations to improve equity in our community." 

Electronics recycling drives were held at the company's various locations throughout March and April. In recent years, Pelican says it has adopted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to further its sustainability initiatives. The company has identified six SDGs to which it can contribute the most positive impact, including through recycling, reducing waste, implementing energy conservation programs and building partnerships with organizations.

Human-I-T says that 82 million Americans don’t have access to a computer with the internet in their homes. Americans also dispose of 150,000 computers every day. Human-I-T is a nonprofit organization that takes this unwanted technology, fixes and provides it to those in need. It also promotes digital inclusion and online access through digital literacy training and free or reduced-price internet.

"Every piece of technology we receive and place in the hands of members of our community creates opportunity and independence," says Brandon Smith, vice president of business development at human-I-T. "We could not make a difference without the generous donations of corporations, government entities, nonprofits and the general public. We're grateful to Pelican Products and the company's employees for helping us build a bright future."