How Ben Young Of ShopGoodwill Is Helping to Promote Sustainability and Climate Justice

An Interview With Monica Sanders

Going against the grain can get some push back, and you have to be really strong in your beliefs to stand your ground.

According to the University of Colorado, “Those who are most affected and have the fewest resources to adapt to climate change are also the least responsible for the greenhouse gas emissions — both globally and within the United States.” Promoting climate justice is an incredibly important environmental responsibility that is slowly becoming more and more recognized. In this interview series, we are talking to leaders who are helping to promote sustainability and climate justice. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Ben Young.

Ben Young is a fine artist, working in California. Born in New York City, Ben was exposed to art at an early age through his father, grandfather and grandmother who were all painters. Ben moved to California after high school to attend Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles. He then went on to become a highly successful creative director and product developer, working at top agencies for most major Television Networks & Feature Film Studios creating hundreds of innovative products.

Despite success as a director, Ben always wanted to live as a fine art painter and he used COVID as his pivotal moment. Ben secured a studio and never looked back.

Ben’s lineage in art, his exposure to the masters and his education speak through his work today. His professional background in realism, composition and color theory have had a strong influence on his drawing and painting. Combining bold color with personally developed and traditional painting techniques he creates a striking balance of realism and abstraction. His diverse skill set has allowed Ben the ability and opportunity to paint in multiple styles and palettes successfully.

ShopGoodwill.com is the first e-commerce auction platform created, owned and operated by a nonprofit organization. The platform features the largest collection of items from 100+ Goodwills, representing more than 2,500+ Goodwill stores across the country.

The site was designed to provide an engaging online shopping destination that would further the Goodwill mission of helping people with training, education and employment opportunities. Goodwill organizations sell unique items on the site, including art, antiques, collectibles, apparel, jewelry, electronics and more. All revenue from these auction sales fund Goodwill’s life-changing workforce development and job placement programs for people.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?

I’m originally from the East Coast — I was born in NYC and spent my school years in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. I grew up connected to the environment and was always surfing, fishing, diving, etc. I moved out to California in 1988 to go to Art School and wasn’t a big fan of LA at that time, so when I finished school, I moved down to Laguna Beach in Orange County. I ended up taking an agency job in Newport Beach and with time became the Creative Director. I built and directed talented teams of artists and worked on national and international brands for many years. When COVID hit I knew it was my time to do my own thing and really hone into building out my passions. For the last 3 years, I have done nothing but paint. No more agencies and no more calls!

Everyone has a cataclysmic moment or marker in their life which propels them to take certain actions, a “why”. What is your why?

I think my “why” is a lifetime in the making. I have always been connected to the world around me, especially the ocean. I grew up on the water on the East Coast and even worked on a fishing boat through high school. I dive and surf everyday, so I’m never far from mother nature. I’ve experienced many incredible places around the globe and have seen first hand our need to protect and preserve. Anything I can do to look after our planet, I’m all for. I don’t think there was ever a why for me, because incorporating nature and sustainable practices has always come naturally. It’s how I’m wired! I love being in control of my workspace, and choosing materials that are lowering my impact on the planet.

You are currently working with an organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change?

I’ve partnered with ShopGoodwill.com, the first sustainable e-commerce auction platform created and operated by a nonprofit, for their #CreateOpportunity campaign.The environment plays a huge role in my art and my life — for me, the two go hand in hand. Sustainable shopping is incredibly important to me, and ShopGoodwill.com is a 24-year pro when it comes to giving items a second life, which creates more opportunities for people like myself to fulfill my creative endeavors. I’ve been purchasing inspiration and components for my artwork from ShopGoodwill.com for the past 3 years — circular shopping is important to my line of work, as creating art can have a lasting impact on our environment.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began working with your company or organization?

My artwork was selected to be shown in several European countries, including the Florence Biennale Art Festival in Italy. ShopGoodwill.com and my preferred paint, Tomorrow’s Artist Created with Encore, were hugely important to this recognition. It’s a true honor to be showcasing my art alongside other inspirational artists in the industry — it‘s also a great opportunity to share my upcycling story to hopefully inspire others and show that even high-end art can be created sustainably.

None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?

• I’d be remiss if I didn’t call out my family, like the ENTIRE Young family who are immensely creative people, artists and entrepreneurs. My grandfather, grandmother, father all painted and got me started at a young age. My mom was a huge supporter of my creativity and my journeys and helped inspire my career as a creative.
• Mitch Junkins — A dear friend and mentor who gave me my first shot 33 years ago. He opened so many doors for me and helped me pursue my creative passions.
• In more recent years, the upcycling community at large, specifically Tomorrow’s Artist Created with Encore Paint for creating quality upcycled materials for artists like me and for supporting my journey.
• ShopGoodwill.com as well. I love their mission and the opportunities they create. I am literally doing a commission painting on a large upcycled canvas with upcycled paint as we speak!

Let’s start with a basic definition of terms so that everyone is on the same page. What does climate justice mean to you? How do we operationalize it?

“Climate change” is a phenomenon we’re currently, and dangerously, experiencing. Our planet is heating up at rapid rates due to various gasses being emitted by humans. Our planet’s heating looks like: rising sea levels; shrinking mountain glaciers; accelerating ice melt in Greenland, Antarctica and the Arctic; and shifts in flower/plant blooming times. The act of saving our planet by reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere is not a one-person job — it takes work by every single human. That can be done by cutting down on your meat consumption, recycling, investing in an electric car and of course — second hand shopping when you can. Fast fashion is one of the leading causes of global warming — so keeping it circular helps to minimize your ecological footprint.

Science is telling us that we have 7–10 years to make critical decisions about climate change. What is the organization doing to help?

I see the ShopGoodwill.com model focusing solely on sustainable shopping, and they’re a real pioneer when it comes to sustainability. Having been around for more than 20 years, the organization has been leading the way for the circular economy and modeling online sustainable shopping practices since its inception. I am thrilled to be a part of the #CreateOpportunity initiative which encourages artists to purchase their art supplies from ShopGoodwill.com. Using upcycled art materials breathes new life into the artwork, and can encourage more creativity. I know I speak for all of the over 100 Goodwills across the US and Canada when I say how excited we are to have Clara Woods as the first #CreateOpportunity ShopGoodwill.com Ambassador — she is a pillar of inspiration and a force in the art world. She is going to inspire a whole new generation of artists.

Are there three things the community, society, or politicians can do to help you in your mission?

The community can help by shopping secondhand at ShopGoodwill.com! It’s as simple as that. 90% of the purchase price goes back into the community for job placement programs — so by supporting your local store, you’re supporting your community, helping our environment and involving yourself in a growing upcycling community.

How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?

ShopGoodwill.com will shortly reach the $2 billion mark in revenue since inception — I think that shows how online sustainable shopping is more than a growing trend, it is a priority for many. Everyone at ShopGoodwill.com walks the walk and it’s exciting to be part of something that is not only giving a second life to products, but also opportunities to the community. The climate crisis is real, and I think a lot of consumers want to support brands that they know are doing their part — whether it’s in packaging, partnerships or products. I believe you’ll find that as soon as you make changes that are more geared towards sustainable practices, more people will find your brand interesting and inspiring. People really do want to be a part of change, so if you can help them by investing in sustainable practices, you’ll have a loyal community.

This is the signature question we ask in most of our interviews. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started promoting sustainability and climate justice” and why?

• There are many ways to make a difference. Do your part and don’t let others tell you it’s not worth it.
• It takes more forward planning and organization to be environmentally friendly — but once you’re there, you’ll never want to go back.
• Going against the grain can get some push back, and you have to be really strong in your beliefs to stand your ground.
• Get out and travel, see the world we share and meet the people you share it with! It makes wanting to protect it a “no brainer”!
• Understand the data behind the topics you discuss. Credibility counts.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why?

• Living: Astrophysicist Neil Degrasse Tyson. He’s brilliant, creative, and he sees the world through a scientific and human lens. I think we could geek out for hours. He’s also got a sense of humor.
• Deceased: Salvador Dali, David Bowie, Warhol and Basquiat. Probably a late breakfast.

This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!

About the Interviewer: Monica Sanders JD, LL.M, is the founder of “The Undivide Project”, an organization dedicated to creating climate resilience in underserved communities using good tech and the power of the Internet. She holds faculty roles at the Georgetown University Law Center and the Tulane University Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy. Professor Sanders also serves on several UN agency working groups. As an attorney, Monica has held senior roles in all three branches of government, private industry, and nonprofits. In her previous life, she was a journalist for seven years and the recipient of several awards, including an Emmy. Now the New Orleans native spends her time in solidarity with and championing change for those on the frontlines of climate change and digital divestment. Learn more about how to join her at: www.theundivideproject.org.