we strive towards a livable climate in many ways, from planting fruit-trees to building geothermal greenhouses
East Boston is a neighborhood on the frontlines of the climate crisis – from flooding to heat island effect, we know that harm is inevitable. From education to practice, we engage on all fronts in tangible, practical ways to reduce this harm, while also building community: we are stronger together no matter how climate change unfolds.
Eastie Farm’s 4-Pronged Approach to Climate Action
1) Mitigate
We take action to slow climate change by reducing our greenhouse gas consumption. Eastie Farm prioritizes using clean, renewable energy instead of fossil fuels, from constructing geothermal infrastructure for our Greenhouse to choosing Boston Community Choice Electricity.
2) Adapt
We adapt by preparing for the inevitable. By increasing green space, we decrease flooding and heat, building a more resilient East Boston.
3) Solve
Our regenerative farming practices sequester carbon in the soil, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere and actively contributing to slowing climate change.
4) Immunize
Most importantly, we want to build a strong, cohesive community. Trusting relationships with your neighbors leads to mutual aid in times of need, encouraging giving and receiving support in reciprocity.
How We Mitigate
Climate change is due to carbon emissions. Carbon emissions result from burning fossil fuels. As we built our greenhouse to grow fresh food year-round, we intentionally avoided having to rely on the use of fossil fuels to keep our plants warm and cozy in the winter. Instead, we source our heat from the Earth – our greenhouse is powered by geothermal energy!
We also reduce emissions by showing people how to process food waste locally, since the transportation and incineration of food waste emits carbon. Throwing food waste into trash leads to significant carbon emissions due to transportation and incineration. But we can avoid all that by turning it right here into organic soil. By building pathways for our community members to support the local economy, we’re helping reduce our collective carbon footprint and waste output. Supporting our CSA program cuts down on the miles your food travels before it gets to your plate!
Building a Resilient Community
We innovate by turning problems into solutions. Our Climate Corps program employs high school and college students in the Boston area to take action on climate justice, training the next generation of environmental champions, protectors, and advocates.
We immunize by building community. When people get to know their neighbor, at a time of a climate-induced crisis, which will likely affect people in different ways and to different extents, they’ll be able to seek help from a neighbor due to the established trust.
Commitment to Climate
Our commitment to climate justice has been integral to Eastie Farm since its conception in 2015. In fact, one of our first initiatives was turning discarded olive oil containers into rain barrels; rainwater collection helps reduce heavy erosion and flooding, allowing the water to be repurposed for watering street trees.
Now, each of our three main programs is intertwined with climate action. The Produce for the People initiative helps Bostonians access fresh, healthy produce without relying on foods shipped from across the world. All of the produce in our CSA shares is sourced from New England, cutting down on carbon emissions and waste outputs from shipping. The Living Lands team works to build thriving green spaces across East Boston, mitigating urban heat island effect and creating natural carbon sequesters. The Student Stewards team educates our community on our changing climate and how to engage in climate-resilient practices.
