Through the Blacksmith Institute, Fuller has raised a large amount of money that has been put
toward cleaning up pollution. In partnership with Pure Earth, Blacksmith is holding a benefit ball to
raise money for both organizations (Benefit Ball 2014). Most of Fuller’s fundraising is done through
and for the Blacksmith Institute. Through the organization, Fuller has made a sizable amount of
money, approximately $2,748,000 to put toward the cause of cleaning up the polluted world. The
majority of the institute’s funding comes in the form of grants from places such as Fuller gives
potential donors the feeling that they are making a difference in the world. Fuller’s fundraising
methods help connect people to what seems like an impossible problem to solve as well as helping
the cause.
Richard Fuller uses direct cleanup methods to address the problem of pollution all over the world.
His organization identifies toxic sites, provides direct funding to cleanup efforts, and supports
many projects internationally (Blacksmith’s Strategy). As opposed to just creating awareness or
fundraising, Blacksmith gets involved in its work and physically cleans up polluted locations
(Success Stories). As an online article from Time Magazine says, “It’s not glamorous
environmentalism… Fuller’s work takes place in urban slums and ravaged villages” (Walsh). Fuller
and his organization go directly to the locations where the problem is taking place. Instead of
standing back and letting others do the work, Fuller physically acts on his cause. Pollution is
concrete and toxic pollution sites are something that have a solution. Fuller is taking steps to stop a
cause he is passionate about.
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.