Recycling with GrowNYC

Recycling is the right thing to do, but it can be pricey to get started!

Even with the increase in recycling in both the private and public sectors, prices for durable bins, starting at $15, can be a challenge for any organization.

But there is a better way, with a smaller cost. Share the effort, not the expense.

Cheap and durable storage containers make professional recylcling bins with a small bit of team work.

GrowNYC, through the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education, funded our effort, taking on the $7 cost of rubbermade 18 gallon roughneck tote.

Then we organized a 1-period production line to convert them.

Our students worked in 4 stations.

1) drill a 4 inch hole with a drill (borrowed)

2) cut up and paste on recycling stickers (free from DSNY)

3) paste on specialized bin signs, (designed and printed by GrowNYC.)

After 45 minutes of work at our stations, we had a bottle bin for every classroom.

Next week, we will start off April by handing them out to each classroom.

This simple solution will help any school to do more, waste less, and be green for less green.

Big first step: move those trees!

With the help and support of our sponsor,

Dragonetti Brothers Landscaping service, we were able to clear space for our campus community garden.

In May 2008, Bushwick Campus was the first campus to work with the Million Trees initiative.

Students from BSSJ and AUP planted 6 Cherry Trees, 5 Zelkovas, and 5 Honey

Locust. For the last two years they have maintained them as well.

But as schools change, their needs for using their campus changes. Campus officials supported our request to move 6 of the trees for our garden, and to make more room for extracurricular athletics.

After two growing seasons, these trees are still small, but it would've taken at least two days to move them.

With the help of Dragonetti Brothers Landscaping, our garden's main sponsor, it only took one hour!

After they repositioned the trees, Crew chief Joe Delarosa advised us on how to prune them for best growth, and Nick Ramos showed us how to water them.

All his helped ensure that in their new homes on Bushwick Campus, they will keep growing for a long time.

Bushwick Green Team's Garden is happening! Get involved!

Its been a long winter here in Bushwick, but Spring is approaching--just look outside.

Be a part of it. the Bushwick Green Team garden space on Bushwick Campus is rapidly developing for its first growing season. Yes, right now it is still part of the softball field, but fence construction, tree relocation, and a donation of dirt (from Dragonetti Bros. Landscaping), will make it a real growing space. And with the vital support of Grow to Learn, Solar One and Eco Station NY, we will be able to start next month.

Now is the time to get involved! Students can earn a credit working in our garden. And local adults can feel great! If you would like to get involved, please contact the Bushwick Green Team!