The Women’s Environmental Institute (WEI) is a non-profit organization focused on creating and sharing knowledge about environmental issues and policies relevant to women, children and identified communities especially affected by environmental injustices.
WEI has been a Metro CERT affiliate since 2008 and received a seed grant this year to develop and evaluate renewable energy heat sources for the greenhouses that are part of the Little Earth of United Tribes Urban Farm Center.
The Little Earth Urban Farm is a demonstration project for eventual expansion to other parts of Phillips community and beyond. Instead of relying on traditional electricity to heat the greenhouses, the project will evaluate the possibility of obtaining all or some of the energy from passive solar and heat generated by compost piles inside the greenhouses.
The seed grant funding will be used to pay for compost/vermiculture training, neighborhood outreach and organizing, labor to build the greenhouse, constructing and maintaining the compost piles, and stipends for youth apprentices. To see the development of the project from an empty lot to a flourishing farm, check out their video!
