A Letter from GrowNYC

December 8, 2019
Posted in GrowNYC

Dear Community,

An employee of GrowNYC's FARMroots program recently received a demeaning, racist, and hurtful note in response to a newsletter acknowledging the important contributions made by Latinx individuals to US agriculture. I write today to firmly denounce this behavior, and unequivocally state that it has absolutely no place in our community.

As an organization that brings New Yorkers together across all of our programs, from Swaps to community gardens and our Greenmarkets, GrowNYC is appalled by the current level of comfort individuals have expressing hate speech. Moreover, we have the responsibility of ensuring our employees’ dignity, safety, and rights.

Accordingly, any member of our community who harbors racist or hateful beliefs like these should consider themselves unwelcome.

COMPLETE COMMUNITY GUIDELINES

There’s so much work for us to accomplish together in this incredible city of ours. Here’s to doing just that.

Marcel Van Ooyen
President & CEO
GrowNYC

Handy Tips for a Sustainable Holiday

November 26, 2019
Posted in Recycling | Tagged recycle

 

Green Your Holidays

Making a list of how to green your holidays? Here are some of our favorite tips and events to cure the post-holiday blues.

Pre-cycle

Whether you're hosting a gathering or just giving and receiving, clearing out excess can make for a more sustainable holiday season.  Find new homes for unwanted items through clothing collections, coat drives, Stop 'N' Swap® events, holiday toy drives, or DonateNYC reuse partners--you'll have more room to celebrate, and an easier time recycling and reusing your post-holiday waste.

Sending cards?

Try e-cards or look for greetings made with recycled content (the more post-consumer content, the better).

Giving gifts?

Show some style when shopping by bringing your own reusable bags. Choose minimally-packaged items made with recycled content and give items that will be treasured, not thrown out before the next holiday season. Consider giving experiences, homemade, and vintage gifts. Find new joy in old favorites that are broken or need refreshing with Fixers Collective. Get hundreds of toy-free gift ideas for a more meaningful holiday here and here, and get great tips from Wired's review of the 5 Best Toys of All Time.  Remember to wrap it recyclable by using old newspaper, paper gift wrap, paper gift bags, or reusable bags and containers that keep on giving all year. 

Preparing a holiday meal?

Look for items in recyclable packaging and buy minimally- or non-packaged fresh produce, like that from Greenmarket. Get meal planning and food storage tips from Save the Food, and read a thorough overview of sustainable Thanksgiving meal planning.    Easily compost vegetable trimmings by using drop-offs at select Greenmarkets and other locations. Serve your masterpiece on reusable plates and offer guests reusable flatware, glassware, and napkins.  Prevent waste by making small changes such as using recyclable aluminum foil rather than plastic wrap for food storage.

Stuck with clean up duties?

Wrapping paper, gift boxes, cardboard, and other paper packaging can go out with other paper recycling (remove tape, ribbons, and other decorations).  Eggnog cartons, wine bottles, olive containers, cookie tins, and hard-to-open rigid plastic packaging are easy to recycle alongside the rest of your metal, glass, plastic, and cartons.  If your curbside recycling day falls on Christmas and New Year's Day, here's when to set out recycling, garbage, and organics (if participating).  Foam peanut packaging and plastic foam blocks are not recyclable, but alternative paper packaging can be included in your recycling pile.  Foam peanuts can be reused at select shipping centers and Manhattan Mailroom locations, and cornstarch peanuts can be composted.  For those so inclined, even corks can be recycled—find drop-sites here

Too many leftovers?

Save take-out containers to send guests home with another helping.  Check the shelf life of open and unopened food and get storage tips to make the most of food and create less waste at stilltasty.com.

Post-Holiday Recycling Events to Cure the Winter Blues

Recycle Your Tree.

If you're putting up a real tree for the holidays, plan to chip in at MulchFest!  Trees (cleaned of stands, lights, tinsel and ornaments) will be collected and recycled into mulch for NYC parks at designated sites from December 26, 2019 - January 11, 2020. Bring your own bag to chipping sites and take home mulch for your yard, garden or street tree. Find citywide drop-off sites and mulch pick-up locations here*. If you miss MulchFest, the city will pick up trees (also stripped of ornaments, etc) curbside from January 6 - 17, barring any snow disruptions. 

Recycle Unwanted Electronics.

Certain electronics are banned from disposal.  When upgrading or unloading electronics, many recycling options are available at no cost, including curbside pickup for homes in the outerborosFind more recycling resources here and check in with the Lower East Side Ecology Center, which runs the Gowanus E-Waste Warehouse in Brooklyn and hosts "After the Holidays" e-waste collections in all five boroughs.

Loosen Your Drawers.

Clear out ill-fitting, outdated and otherwise unwanted clothing, shoes, and linens and bring them to one of GrowNYC's weekly collections for reusable clothing and other textiles.

Swap Your Stuff.

GrowNYC's Stop 'N' Swap® is the ultimate re-gifting party. Bring reusable items to share (portable items only) or simply bring a tote bag or two to take home things you can put to reuse. Unstuff your home at one of two swaps in December, or find winter swap dates and locations at GrowNYC.org/swap.

 

From all of us at GrowNYC, thank you for helping green our city by taking our "recycling challenge" at community events, volunteering as an Environmental Ambassador, dropping off clothing and food scraps at our Greenmarkets, attending our Stop 'N' Swaps, and more throughout 2019. We look forward to seeing you out at many of the great recycling events that will kick off a sustainable 2020. Happy Holidays!

Fall Leaf Composting: It’s in the Bag

October 21, 2019
Posted in Recycling | Tagged compost, fall leaves, zero waste

The humble fall leaf packs a punch when used as compost or mulch to return nutrients to the soil.  When landfilled, leaves create methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.  Fortunately, it’s easy to put fall leaves to good use through composting! 

WHERE TO COMPOST

Certain neighborhoods can set out fall leaves for curbside collection on specific Saturdays this fall.  Communities that receive NYC curbside composting service can set out leaves along with their other organics.  Residents with no curbside option can utilize drop-off sites in all 5 boros.  Leaves placed on the curb for collection should go in paper lawn & leaf bags, open, unlined containers, or brown organics bins.  Do not set out leaves in plastic bags.  Learn more at nyc.gov/leafcollection.

GROWNYC LEAF BAG GIVEAWAYS

Stop by select GrowNYC food scrap drop-offs and take home free leaf bags, while supplies last! Leaf bags are also available at outerboro retailers and giveaways

2019 Leaf Bag Giveaway Schedule
(during food scrap collection hours)

Sunday, November 10
Carroll Gardens Greenmarket
Cortelyou Greenmarket

Tuesday, November 12
Poe Park Greenmarket

Thursday, November 14
Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket
Parkside Plaza Compost On-the-Go

Friday, November 15
Fordham Plaza Greenmarket
Parkchester Greenmarket

Saturday, November 16
Bay Ridge Greenmarket
St. George Greenmarket
Staten Island Mall Greenmarket
McCarren Park Greenmarket
Fort Greene Greenmarket
Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket
Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket

Sunday, November 17
Carroll Gardens Greenmarket
Cortelyou Greenmarket
Jackson Heights Greenmarket
Forest Hills Greenmarket

Tuesday, November 19
Elmhurst Compost On-the-Go
Rego Park Compost On-the-Go
Kew Gardens Compost On-the-Go
Briarwood Compost On-the-Go
Poe Park Greenmarket

Thursday, November 21
Brooklyn Borough Hall
Parkside Plaza Compost On-the-Go

Friday, November 22
Corona Greenmarket
Fordham Plaza Greenmarket
Parkchester Greenmarket

Saturday, November 23
McCarren Park Greenmarket
Fort Greene Greenmarket
Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket
Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket

Sunday, November 24
Carroll Gardens Greenmarket
Cortelyou Greenmarket
Jackson Heights Greenmarket
Forest Hills Greenmarket

Tuesday, November 26
Elmhurst Compost On-the-Go
Rego Park Compost On-the-Go
Kew Gardens Compost On-the-Go
Briarwood Compost On-the-Go
Poe Park Greenmarket

Saturday, November 30
McCarren Park Greenmarket
Fort Greene Greenmarket
Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket
Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket
Sunnyside Greenmarket

Sunday, December 1
Jackson Heights Greenmarket
Forest Hills Greenmarket

Tuesday, December 3
Elmhurst Compost On-the-Go
Rego Park Compost On-the-Go
Kew Gardens Compost On-the-Go
Briarwood Compost On-the-Go

Friday, December 6
Corona Greenmarket

Announcing GrowNYC's Year End Campaign

September 27, 2019
Posted in GrowNYC | Tagged Support, holiday, Giving, End of Year, GrowNYC

For nearly 50 years, GrowNYC has been scaling individual actions to create a massive collective impact on the environment through our food access, environmental education, zero waste, and open green space programs. Serving over 3 million New Yorkers every year, our mark on the city covers every borough including Governors Island, half the city's public schools, and into NYC's greater agricultural region.

GrowNYC is HERE for the long run.

And we are dreaming bigger than ever, digging our heels into the ground in the face of global climate change and determined to amplify a movement powered by people.

Help us take your investment in your community to the next level. Make a gift before January 1 to participate.

Rye Day 10/11 at the Union Square Greenmarket

September 25, 2019
Posted in Greenmarket

GrowNYC is proud to participate in the third annual Rye Week, a celebration of rye as an agricultural product in New York State, which will take place from October 12 – 20.

October 11th will be Rye Day at the Union Square Greenmarket. Johanna Kindvall, author of Smorgasbord: The Art of Swedish Breads and Savory Treats, will be at market signing books and demonstrating how to prepare flat breads with rye flour. Also in attendance will be Breuckelen Distilling, Empire Rye, and Nahmias et Fils, and the the GrowNYC Grainstand

“Not only does New York State’s craft beverage program create jobs, boost local economies, and financially benefit local grain farmers,” says GrowNYC President and CEO Marcel Van Ooyen, “it’s also great for the environment. Small grains are good for the soil when used in rotation with other crops. As the demand for grains like rye increases, so does the health of the soil on New York farms.”

Fall 2019 Food Box Training

September 24, 2019
Posted in Greenmarket

Fall 2019 Food Box training - save the date Friday, Oct 11th

GrowNYC is happy to announce our fall 2019 Fresh Food Box Training.  This free training is for nonprofit organizations interested in operating their own Fresh Food Box wholesale buying club for fresh, high-quality, local foods at below-retail prices. Customers pre-order bags one week in advance on the designated distribution day, and the next week pick up their Fresh Food Box share. Each share contains 6-10 seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as information on how to store and prepare the produce they’ve received.

This training will cover:

  • How to source farm-fresh foods in wholesale volumes via GrowNYC Wholesale, GrowNYC's local food distribution program
  • GrowNYC's Fresh Food Box best practices that can be adapted to meet the needs of your community
  • Resources including manuals, order guides, and recordkeeping documents to help you operate a successful Food Box site

In order to operate a Fresh Food Box, organizations need the following capacity:

  • 6-10 staff hours per week (for distribution, program administration, promotion, and bookkeeping)
  • Accessible distribution location with good foot traffic
  • Storage space for equipment (folding tables, tents, etc.)
  • Some organizations may be eligible for $10,000 in funding from the New York State Department of Ag and Markets to support the operation of your Fresh Food Box site. For more information, click here.

If your organization or community group meets the above capacity guidelines and wishes to operate your own food box, please join us!  Apply for up to two free tickets here.

GrowNYC's Fresh Food Box Funding & Training Opportunities
Friday, October 11
2PM - 5PM
100 Gold Street, Manhattan 

 

Notice of Voluntary Recall, Consider Bardwell Farm

September 24, 2019
Posted in Greenmarket

Notice of Voluntary Recall, Consider Bardwell Farm

GrowNYC has received notification from Greenmarket producer Consider Bardwell Farm that due to the possibility of contamination they are voluntarily recalling the following cheeses sold at their farm stand and other retailers from 4/28/19 until present.

  • Dorset
  • Slyboro
  • Experience

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with these products. This is a voluntary and precautionary recall initiated by Consider Bardwell Farm. The contamination was discovered by routine testing of finished products and the manufacturing environment.

These products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Consumers who have purchased products listed in the above table are urged to return these products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 802-645-9928.

Company Contact Information:
Consider Bardwell Farm
802-645-9928 (8:00 AM until 5:00 PM)
foodsafety@considerbardwellfarm.com 

We apologize for this inconvenience, but are happy to report that our farms are routinely conducting this sort of testing to ensure that the food they are distributing is safe. We look forward to having these products back at market following all of the necessary procedures.

We thank you for your continued support.

View the full Consider Bardwell Voluntary Product Recall details here.

St. George Greenmarket + Van Duzer Artisan Market

September 24, 2019
Posted in Greenmarket

We are happy to announce our collaboration with Van Duzer Artisan Market X Made in NYC Week at GrowNYC's St. George Greenmarket, which will host a pop up market featuring a collective of curated makers. Come join us for a day of shopping local handcrafted products and fresh Greenmarket goodies! Be inspired by the creativity, collaboration and craftsmanship in the Staten Island community and stop by for hands-on workshops and to supporting local NYC artisan goods.

Van Duzer Artisan Market is a traveling marketplace, based in Staten Island selling locally handcrafted goods, gifts + vintage finds. 
Instagram: @vanduzerartisanmarket
Facebook: @vanduzerartisanmarket

SHARING THE BLISS
Holistic line of handcrafted healing teas and aromatherapy products
IG: @sharingthebliss
www.sharingthebliss.com

AUGUST MOON 
Unique handcrafted jewelry 
www.richmondhood.com/product-category/jewelry

ZULYME DESIGN STUDIO
Local Staten Island Artist 

FUNLAYO GRACE
Handcrafted decorative pillows 
www.funlayograce.com

GRACE STUDIOS
Collective of inspirational home decor and art

Van Duzer Artisan Market is a proud partner of Made in NYC Week 2019.

Who is Made in NYC?
Made in NYC supports thousands of New York City’s manufacturers by giving them the tools to grow their companies. We foster local entrepreneurial innovation because we see the value in high quality, locally made goods. We help local brands tell their stories and provide them with a sense of community — reminding our businesses that they are not alone.

Made in NYC is an initiative of the Pratt Center for Community Development, an organization working to build a more just, equitable and sustainable city for all New Yorkers. Made in NYC is generously funded by the New York City Council.
Instagram: @madeinnewyorkcity
Facebook: @madeinnewyorkcity
Twitter: @madeinnyc

Latinx Heritage and Northeastern Agriculture

September 10, 2019
Posted in Greenmarket

By Gabriela Pereyra, GrowNYC's FARMroots Beginning Farmer Program Manager

National Latinx Heritage Month in the United States is the period from September 15 to October 15, when people recognize the contributions of Latinx and Hispanic Americans to the country's history, heritage, and culture. 

Our work is to identify, educate, and support aspiring farmers with agricultural experience to establish their own economically and environmentally sustainable farm businesses. Started in 2000, GrowNYC created the New Farmer Development Project as a partnership between Greenmarket and Cornell Cooperative Extension's NYC Program. The project was based in New York City and trained mostly Latinx farmers within the city to start their farm businesses in New York's Hudson Valley and Catskill Regions, New Jersey, and northeastern Pennsylvania.

Our work of training the next generation of regional farmers continues, through programs that give them access to zero interest loans, discounted market opportunities, paid mentorships, and three years of additional technical assistance. It is also complemented with projects like the Labor Ready Farmer. This project, a collaboration with the Cornell Small Farms Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension, focuses on the growth of New York State fruit & vegetable farms through improved Latinx workforce management and leadership skills. 

Currently, 80% of New York State’s agricultural work is done by Latinx people, yet they own less than 3% of the state’s farmland, and less than 4% are farm managers. GrowNYC's FARMroots training works to provide profitable, equitable agriculture opportunities for Latinx communities. Improving the managerial skills of Latinx farmers and supporting them to start their own farms helps to keep farmland in production and strengthens rural communities, farmers markets, and the region’s food system as a whole. Today, at our Greenmarkets, Latinx farmers are selling a range of unique products that speak to their culture. Thanks to them, all New Yorkers have access to high-quality and locally-grown papalo, huacatey, epazote, amaranth, ají dulce, tomatillo, chiles, flores de calabaza, maíz de tortillas, dahlias, and herbs.

The contributions of Latinx people, both in the fields and in our Greenmarkets, are countless. Thanks to their work and effort, our regional food system is better and stronger. 

GrowNYC Eco Hour: Back to the Farm 9/11

September 3, 2019

Join us for GrowNYC Eco Hour: Back to the Farm on Monday, September 11 at Project Farmhouse for drinks, local snacks, a live DJ and green conversation.⁠

We'll be digging into what's lighting a fire under a new generation of farmers. Featuring Yemi Amu of Oko Farms, Jacob Okam of The Campaign Against Hunger, Jason Slibeck of Sly Fox Farm, and GrowNYC's own Chris Wayne and John Johnson. Music will be courtesy of Caroline Shadood.⁠

Tickets available now at: https://ecohour_farm.eventbrite.com. Your first 2 drinks are included with admission. Bring friends, make friends, and join the conversation!

 

When: Monday, September 11 6pm-10pm

Where: Project Farmhouse, 76 East 13th Street, New York, NY 10003

 

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