On Friday May 12, Kerry and I joined the LES Ecology Center at their booth in Union Square. I have previously volunteered with them for six months in 2021 and knew that Kerry’s interest in composting and food waste would spike her interest in volunteering with me. 

The LES Ecology Center has been open since 1990 and collecting food scraps from individuals at the Union Square market since 1994. They are there every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, whether it is snowing or very hot, as it was when we were there on Friday. While working alongside Gabby, a full time employee, whom I had connected with previously for my story on the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project, we spoke to community members who dropped off their food scraps for composting. Kerry and I took turns breaking down food waste, putting composting soil in bags for purchase and answering any questions individuals had about the process. It was eye opening to see the entire process of composting beginning with individuals bringing their food scraps, to us bagging it for others to use. 

After speaking to Gabby the first time following my interview with her for my article about the controversy regarding the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project, I wanted to inquire more about where they are now bringing the compost since their site on the East River Park is still closed and under construction. She states, “they’re behind on construction so we don’t know when it will open back up, for now we’re working with the City and the compost piles go to the Staten Island Compost Site.” For me this was very interesting since I am seeing the LES Ecology Center from many stages throughout the years, watching it from 2021 to where it is now.

I had a great time, especially having Kerry with me there and would look forward to going back and continuing my time at the LES Ecology Center.

Breaking down food waste, which later once fully gone through the process of composting is bagged and potted to be resold at the Union Square Market.