The Power of One
Zach Nelson, Shane Houts,
Sarah Noyce, Annabel Vernon,
Karlee Cowlishaw
An estimated one hundred million people are currently affected by pollution, yet it is one of
the most underfunded problems in the world. Pollution affects both animals and humans
through the water, air, and soil causing tens of thousands of people to die each year. In those
who survive it causes reduced neurological development, damaged immune response, and
long term illnesses. However, these people do not go by unnoticed. Richard Fuller has
dedicated his life to cleaning up the homes of the people that can’t do it themselves. Though
born in Australia, he left at a young age to help preserve the world. He created and is a part of
many organizations whose main goals are to make the world a better place. Richard Fuller has
combated pollution by creating an NGO, fundraising, and cleaning up polluted sites all over
the world.
Richard Fuller uses his NGO, non-governmental organization, to combat pollution. He
founded the Blacksmith Institute, the only non-profit organization that works internationally
to combat pollution, in 1999 in order to help people in danger due to toxically polluted
environments (Blacksmith Board of Directors). Blacksmith fights pollution through
negotiating at actively polluting sites, assisting in small and large scale cleanups, and creating
strategies for cleanups (Blacksmith’s Programs), and has cleaned 75 sites (Success Stories).
This strategy enables local people to fight back and make their community a safer place.
Through the combined efforts of professionals and citizens, Blacksmith successfully cleans
numerous locations. Not only does this process bring people together, but it also furthers the
struggle against pollution.
Richard Fuller’s strategies for fighting pollution through the Blacksmith Institute are highly
effective. Seeing as Blacksmith is currently the only organization performing pollution
cleanup on a global scale, Fuller has made a huge impact on the world. He truly represents the
power of one. Through his own actions, Fuller has helped millions of people in need and raised
awareness for more than one cause. People such as Richard Fuller, with confidence and a cause,
have the potential to make a huge difference in the world. The difference one person can make
is astonishing, and should be taken advantage of. Furthermore, one doesn’t have to be a
genius or rich to make a difference. If everyone strives to make a positive difference, then the
power of one adds up to the power of all. Richard Fuller has done wonderful things towards a
clean earth, and shown that one person really can make a difference.