You may be surprised to learn that the air we breathe is not mostly made up of oxygen, but of nitrogen gas -- about 78%. All living things, from giraffes to humans to decomposers like red wiggler worms and the microorganisms that live in our compost piles under the Queensboro Bridge, need nitrogen to survive. Nitrogen is critically important for our DNA, as well as amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. But giraffes and humans can't just pull the nitrogen out of the air. We rely on the decomposers to make it available for us in a process known as the Nitrogen Cycle.
Barbara Muesing, our resident City Service Corps member, takes a break from her Organics Collection outreach to explain how the Nitrogen Cycle works as well as how human involvement can impact the process, both positively and negatively.
All New Yorkers who are passionate about making a difference in our City are encouraged to apply for the second class of City Service Corps which begins in September 2016. Applications are now open. Priority deadline is June 30th. Click here to apply!
The Queens County Farm Museum Agriculture Department is looking for a motivated, energetic individual to join their team for the 2016 growing season. Through participation in the day-to-day operations of production, seasonal farmers learn about the skills necessary to run a diversified farm. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Jen Griffith, Director of Agriculture, at jen@queensfarm.org.
The NYC Compost Project, created by the NYC Department of Sanitation in 1993, provides compost education and outreach to NYC residents, community groups, city agencies and non-profits. The NYC Compost Project offers compost-related workshops and classes, runs the Master Composter Certificate Program, provides technical composting support, distributes DSNY compost & mulch, develops urban farms, and tables at public events throughout all five boroughs. The NYC Compost Project also operates neighborhood-based food scrap drop-off opportunities and ensures that those food scraps are composted locally.
Big Reuse purchases and tax-deductible donations reduce waste and support eco-initiatives. We accept drop-off donations seven days a week, offer free pick up services for large donations, and provide deconstruction services for skim salvage interiors.