The WQCI is a dynamic partnership recycling waste from one garden, two markets, three bike tours, and four CSA's. Read more
The WQCI is a dynamic partnership recycling waste from one garden, two markets, three bike tours, and four CSA's.
Western Queens Compost Initiative
Project by Western Queens Compost Initiative
First created | 5 backed
About this project
Why is food waste an issue?
Landfills that contain food waste are a huge source of greenhouse gas emissions, which throw climate off balance. They are also sources for runoff that pollute water resources. Almost half the waste from the city that is trucked to out-of-state landfills can be composted right here, to make compost that will help build up great soil. With food security at an all-time low, economic resources increasingly exhausted, and our aquifers being depleted, trucking food waste out and commercial compost in has a negative effect of air quality, adding to the toll on communities, economies, and the planet.
What can we do about it?
Composting is our solution. It not only reduces waste and its deleterious effects, but is a benefit to the environment. Compost adds vital nutrients back into the soil, helps prevent erosion, and increases moisture retention. It is virtually free, and can be used to grow food as well as ornamental plants. Without the need for complicated technology, we can further reduce our dependency on petrochemical derived fertilizer.
Who is involved?
Our goal is to divert food waste from several key sources in western Queens. In addition to Master Composters conducting outreach to the 200+ community gardeners and their households, we're aiming to extend our reach to collect waste from two Greenmarkets, three bike tours that have rest stops in our community, and the four surrounding CSA's. Our coordinators would oversee day to day operations, monitor tasks and work toward goals; liaise with officials at the local botanical garden and greening organizations; and conduct bike tour collections & educational workshops. Participating CSA members will assist by transporting the waste at the end of distribution, and helping process plant debris and kitchen scraps on weekends. Community gardeners will assist in tabling at bike tours, and helping to collect fruit scraps. Youth & civic organization volunteers will help table and collect waste at the Greenmarket.
How can you help?
We are in desperate need of funds for a work trike & a storage shed for it. The proceeds generated from our Kickstarter campaign will be used for the purchase of a Worksman Mover (with all the bells and whistles needed to ensure a smooth and safe ride for all), built right here in Queens, for a fume-free haul of all the good stuff that would otherwise become garbage.
Our project also welcomes volunteers! Composting is a dirty job, but if you're ready to get your hands dirty, we'd love to have you.
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
Rewards
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Pledge $10 or more
10 backers Limited (40 left of 50)
SOIL LEVEL. Contribute to the project at this level, and you'll receive a shout out on Facebook and Twitter, and a "COMPOST HAPPENS - Western Queens Compost Initiative" sticker for your bicycle. During the season, you'll be invited to join us for a behind the scenes tour of the operation. At the end of the season, you will receive a report with the project's accomplishments, in which your name will be mentioned as a contributor.
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Pledge $25 or more
20 backers Limited (10 left of 30)
TOPSOIL LEVEL. Support the project at this level, and you'll receive a shout out on Facebook and Twitter, the sticker, plus a variety pack of organic seeds & a bag of organic compost mix (Astoria/LIC only). During the season, you'll be invited to join us for a behind the scenes tour of the operation. At the end of the season, you will receive a report with the project's accomplishments, in which your name will be mentioned as part of our group of supporters.
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Pledge $50 or more
6 backers Limited (4 left of 10)
LOAM LEVEL. Donate at this level, and you'll receive the shout out on Facebook and Twitter, the sticker, seeds & compost mix, plus a 30 minute composting consultation for your home, office, workplace, business, or classroom (Astoria/LIC only). During the season, you'll be invited to join us for a behind the scenes tour of the operation. At the end of the season, you will receive a report with the project's accomplishments, in which your name will be mentioned as a generous donor.
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Pledge $100 or more
5 backers All gone!
HUMUS LEVEL. At this level of funding to the project, you'll receive the shout out, sticker, seeds & compost mix... but instead of the consultation, this level is really reserved for cyclists dedicated to composting. Donate at this level, and we'll give you the opportunity to really show how much you care, by arranging a compost ride for you during one of the cycling events, with the option to feature you in a press release. This option is exclusive at the $100+ level. At the end of the season, you will receive a report with the project's accomplishments, in which your name will be featured as one of the primary funders.
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Pledge $250 or more
1 backer All gone!
COMPOST LEVEL. In addition to the recognition and gardening starter kit, donors at this level will receive a consultation and installation of either an indoor or outdoor composting system for your home, office, workplace, business, or classroom (Astoria/LIC only, additional material costs may apply). The trike will be named after you or your business/organization (e.g. The Astoria Beer Garden Trike) for one year, featuring a prominently displayed decal with your name, or your business's or organization's name, and all mentions of the trike in press releases will include the name of the sponsoring entity. At the end of the season, you will receive a report with the project's accomplishments, in which your name will be featured as a core benefactor.
Funding period
- (87 days)