Official website: http://gcefund.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/gcef_soilcycle_2014_2015.pdf
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
La Casita Verde received $25,000 in 2014 to fund a mobile compost initiative, “Soil Cycle,” at three Greenpoint schools (Citizens of the World Charter School, John Ericsson MS 126 and Northside Charter High School) housed in the same building. In the initiative, specially designed cargo bikes collected organic wastes from local schools, composted the wastes as the rider pedals, and allow the composting process to be monitored. Students learned first-hand the basics of microbiology and the practice and benefits of urban composting, and also reduced the organic waste generated by their schools.
In 2015, Eyebeam Atelier, a non-profit project partner that is managing the fiscal requirements of this project, received $27,600 in 2015 to supplement the Soil Cycle initiative. Major project activities include: 1) managing the composting systems already in place in the schools, making adjustments as needed, and ensuring the program continues to thrive; and 2) working with school student “Soil Ambassadors, teachers, and parents participating in the composting and gardening program to assist with scrap pickup, distributing information about the program and more.
Project Lead: Eyebeam Atelier
2014 Project Partners: Citizens of the World Charter School, MS 126, and Northside Charter School; El Puente; Brooklyn Botanical Garden; School for Public Engagement, Purchase College, State University of New York; and Eyebeam Atelier, Inc
2015 Project Partners: Citizens of the World Charter School, MS 126 and Northside Charter High School, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation programs: Brooklyn Forestry and GreenThumb
Project Location: Citizens of the World Charter School, John Ericsson MS 126 and Northside Charter High School, 424 Leonard Street
2014 GCEF Grant: $25,000
2014 Matching Contributions: $0
2015 GCEF Grant: $27,600
2015 Matching Contributions: $0
Current Status: Ongoing