Check out our op-ed in City Limits where our Executive Director, Christine Datz-Romero, discusses why a well-funded community composting network is essential for the success of New York's curbside compost program. In order to build a culture where composting is commonplace, we must close the gap between policy and participation—seeing the composting process up close helps make that happen. (fb)

🌳💫 THE COOLEST BLOCK IN THE LOWER EAST SIDE 💫🌳 Youth Category Feature: PS20 Students As part of the #LESCoolestBlock competition, students at PS20 have been learning how to care for their neighborhood tree beds with the LES Ecology Center — and they’ve picked up some amazing skills! 💪💚 Here’s what they had to say: 🗣 Max: “I learned how to take care of a tree bed. Step 1 – Remove trash. Today we found lots of glass!” 🗣 Anna: “Step 2 – Remove weeds and make sure you put the soil from the roots back in the tree pit!” 🗣 Ms. Tran: “Step 3 – The most important step is to break up the soil. Use a cultivator or aerator. We can borrow them from the LES Ecology Center Tool Library!” 🗣 Cassia & Sebastian: “Step 4 – We put mulch all around the tree. Don’t pass the circle! Keep a ring around the tree.” 👏 Let’s give it up for these young eco-champions helping to green the LES, one tree at a time! 🌱 (fb)