Current Campaigns:
No Toxics on Tap
PFAS are forever chemicals that are used in everything from makeup to nonstick pans to our clothing. They were invented here in NJ to make things shinier and last longer, and because of that they stick around. These chemicals cause cancer and other serious health issues, and New Jersey has the second highest rate of PFAS contamination out of any state in the country.
The fast fashion business model is built on waste. Clothing companies like H&M and Forever 21 are constantly churning out the latest trends at incredibly cheap prices. Because of the rapid turnover of products, companies have to do something with their overstock–the unsold clothing that’s left behind. It’s the fashion industry’s “dirty open secret” that many companies resort to burning or throwing away this unused clothing. In fact, about 30% of all the clothing produced globally each year is never sold or worn and is likely headed straight to the closest landfill or incinerator and In the US, we generate enough textile waste to fill the Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the country- every six days!
The solution to this issue is decreasing the ongoing environmental degradation from fast fashion business models by educating students and having them make pledges to commit to a “fast fashion free” semester as well as other efforts to reduce the purchasing of fast fashion outside of pre-owned clothing stores. Fast fashion companies will not change their profitable business practices unless we make a change in their consumer base so that they capitulate to the desires of the people that give them their profits.
End Hunger and Homelessness
On a global scale over a billion tons of food goes to waste annually. This is the calculated number after taking into account implemented food prevention acts worldwide. Over a hundred million people around the world face food insecurity, a million of those people reside in New Jersey.
When it comes to food waste it is no secret that two of the largest contributors are restaurants and bakeries who immediately dispose of any leftover or unsold products at the end of each day. By beginning to take small steps like encouraging local restaurants and bakeries to join food prevention apps like Too Good To Go, we can begin to minimize how much food needs to be thrown out at the end of the day while also offering the general public food at discounted prices.
Throughout the semester we will be promoting various apps that work towards minimizing food waste while engaging Rutgers students through various events and activities. We will generate interest while also educating. Like always we will continue to strengthen our connection with Pantry+ and JBJ Kitchen while also looking towards collaborating with other organizations and the campus kitchens.
Affordable Textbooks
Textbooks are expensive and over the past 4 decades, the price of textbooks have increased three times faster than inflation, and now 65% of students report that they skip purchasing materials due to cost. For students already struggling to afford tuition, the money they spend on textbooks often comes out-of-pocket. We are working on Rutgers campuses to change the automatic textbook billing policy, and promote the use of open access textbooks.
In February 2016, the President of Rutgers University agreed to fund a $12,000 grant program known as open and affordable textbooks (OATS) to encourage faculty to adopt open textbooks in their classes, or write their own textbook materials. In 2025, we are working alongside the library to educate the student body and faculty on the new and improved OATS program so that we have access to the materials we need to succeed. If you’re interested in this campaign, reach out to your chapter; and in the meantime, take action to sign our petition!
New Voters Project
Our democracy only works when we all participate. Our generation is the largest and most diverse group of potential voters in the country, with our own values and our own ideas. Yet, our generation isn’t showing up to vote in high enough numbers. When young people don’t turn up to vote, politicians don’t pay attention to us and the issues we care about.
Our solution is to get students registered, and to the polls! We do this through hundreds of hours of voter registration & education tables, and events. We follow up with each registration and help them vote early, or locate their polling location and make a plan to get there! Voting is often the first step to prepare students for a lifetime of being active community members and citizens, which is why we are working to create cultures of civic engagement on our campuses. We want our voices to be heard! In case you’re not yet registered to vote at your current address, check out https://studentvote.org/
Military Right to Repair
The Warrior Right to Repair Act would ensure that the U.S. Department of Defense and service branches would have the authority and technical access needed to repair and maintain their own equipment without being dependent on defense contractors.
Currently, some manufacturers restrict access to repair manuals, software, tools, and parts through intellectual property claims and proprietary systems, leading to higher costs, longer repair times, and reduced readiness. Granting the military full repair rights would save taxpayers billions, improve equipment availability in training and combat, and strengthen national security by reducing reliance on contractors—especially in deployed or contested environments.
Connect With Us:
Chapter Leadership
Anel Mata-Payerro // Chapter Chair
Anel is a junior at Rutgers University-Newark pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a minor in Marketing. She joined NJPIRG in the Spring semester of her freshman year as a visibility intern, hoping to exercise her skills in non-profit marketing and get involved with the community. Before becoming chapter chair, Anel was the Visibility/Media Coordinator, where she worked to raise NJPIRG’s visibility on campus through weekly posts, funny Insta Reels, and flyers around campus.
Emely Gutierrez // Hunger and Homelessness Campaign Coordinator
Emely Gutierrez is a student in the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University–Newark, majoring in Political Science. She is currently serving as a pantry+ Ambassador, where she helps combat food insecurity and connect students with essential resources, and is the campaign coordinator for the Hunger and Homelessness campaign. Before becoming campaign coordinator, she stayed involved both on campus and off campus, where she held multiple leadership positions, completed over 260 hours of community service, and actively worked to uplift student voices.
Photo Gallery
