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JOCO and WALTER Launch Eco-Friendly E-Mobility Recycling Program

In a significant move towards sustainability in urban transportation, JOCO, a premier e-mobility platform specializing in last-mile delivery, has partnered with WALTER, a Brooklyn-based social enterprise focused on environmental recycling. This collaboration has culminated in the launch of the city's first community-powered e-mobility recycling program, designed to address the environmental impacts associated with last-mile delivery services while simultaneously fostering workforce development in underserved communities.

The initiative is notable not just for its environmental efforts but also for its commitment to social equity, aiming to empower young adults facing significant barriers to employment. Guillaume Charvon, the founder of WALTER, stated, "Above all else, we believe in a clean future for our city, where everyone has a chance at employment." His twenty years of experience working with marginalized youth across various countries, including France and the U.S., underpins this mission.

A Unique Recycling Model

What sets this program apart is its innovative model that allows for the safe recycling of e-bike parts and batteries within Brooklyn. Operating out of JOCO's extensive warehouse and fleet facilities, the program aims to create paid employment opportunities for young adults, particularly in Brownsville, an area that has often been overlooked. This model reflects a holistic approach to sustainability that intertwines environmental health with social welfare.

Every week, WALTER visits JOCO facilities twice, collecting six distinct waste streams including cardboard, metals, aluminum, plastics, wood, and batteries. The impact of their work has been nothing short of remarkable. In less than six months, the partnership has successfully recycled 23,815 pounds of materials from JOCO’s operations and has successfully avoided emitting 168,603 pounds of CO₂ into the atmosphere.

Community and Environmental Benefits

The positive environmental impact of this program can be quantified in several ways, with equivalents that resonate strongly within the community. For instance, the efforts of JOCO and WALTER can be likened to planting 3,066 trees or preventing 197,066 miles of driving, which is comparable to making 912 trips from NYC to Boston. Additionally, 8,605 gallons of fuel have been saved, translating to avoiding burning 84,280 pounds of coal. These statistics not only highlight the environmental benefits but also the potential for a sustainable transportation future.

Empowering Youth through Employment

Beyond its environmental achievements, this initiative places a strong emphasis on creating equitable job opportunities. In total, 768 paid employment hours have been generated for marginalized youth in New York City through this initiative. This approach goes hand in hand with JOCO's vision of e-mobility as a driver of positive change. Jonathan Cohen, co-founder of JOCO, emphasizes, "The promise of e-mobility as a positive force only works when the system is sustainable across its full lifecycle and provides equitable access to opportunity for the communities and workers who power this industry."

About JOCO and WALTER

JOCO is an integrated e-mobility platform that is facilitating last-mile delivery via light electric vehicles. Their technology and citywide network offer delivery companies access to a fleet of electric vehicles, reducing the need for individuals to own and maintain their own bikes.

WALTER, on the other hand, serves a critical role in environmental services, assisting businesses in achieving their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals through responsible recycling practices and secure material disposals. Each of WALTER's projects is carefully crafted to ensure the creation of paid employment and training options for young adults from marginalized communities, emphasizing a focused approach on areas like Brownsville.

In summary, the partnership between JOCO and WALTER represents a groundbreaking step towards sustainable mobility solutions while effectively integrating community empowerment into the equation. This endeavor is not just about recycling and e-mobility; it's about paving the way for a more inclusive and eco-friendly urban landscape.