How EcoClean Guardians Is Breaking Nonprofit Barriers with the 80/10/10 Rule and Paying Community Members to Make an Impact

Environmental nonprofits traditionally rely on volunteerism, inconsistent funding, and the goodwill of cities or private partners to make things happen. But EcoClean Guardians is shifting the model entirely — by building a community-first, dignity-driven framework that rewards participation, uplifts underserved neighborhoods, and directly invests funds back into the people doing the work.

At the center of our mission is the 80/10/10 Rule, a guiding principle that keeps our organization transparent, accountable, and focused on environmental impact and community empowerment.

What Is the EcoClean Guardians 80/10/10 Rule?

The 80/10/10 rule ensures that every dollar given, sponsored, or granted is used responsibly and with maximum impact:

80% — Direct Environmental Impact & Community Programs

This portion goes straight into cleanup events, hourly payments to participants, tools, supplies, and operational logistics that directly improve New Jersey communities, currently and particularly in Hudson, Bergen, and Essex Counties.

10% — Educational & Awareness Initiatives

Funds support local environmental education, digital and in-person trainings, and collaborations with regional experts and agencies such as:

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2: epa.gov
• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection: dep.nj.gov
• NE “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” resources: mass.gov

These partnerships amplify our mission beyond just picking up trash — they help build sustainable habits and long-term change.

10% — Administration & Future Growth

Unlike many nonprofits with high administrative costs, EcoClean Guardians caps overhead at just 10%. This includes:

• Paying staff modestly and fairly
• Legal and compliance structures
• Payment processing (Stripe)
• Insurance
• Scalable systems to expand into other counties and eventually the broader New England region

This structure keeps us agile while ensuring longevity.

A New Model for a Cleaner Future

EcoClean Guardians is rewriting the script for what a modern nonprofit can look like.

We focus on high-impact work, low overhead, and community empowerment, combining hands-on cleanup with reliable income opportunities.

And we’re just getting started.

By 2026, our vision includes:

• Expanding across New Jersey
• Launching chapters throughout New England
• Building collaborations with regional environmental agencies
• Becoming a national model for paid community cleanup initiatives

Ready to Join the Movement?

Whether you’re a potential participant, sponsor, school partner, or supporter — your involvement fuels meaningful environmental change.

• Join an event
• Donate or sponsor a cleanup
• Partner with us to strengthen your community
• Support environmental justice in action

EcoClean Guardians
Where community, impact, and innovation meet — one cleanup at a time.