The Problem
To make more lead-safe yards and gardens. We're looking for more people to get involved in volunteer projects, donated materials for raised garden beds, and for monetary donations to make this project possible.
To make more lead-safe yards and gardens. We're looking for more people to get involved in volunteer projects, donated materials for raised garden beds, and for monetary donations to make this project possible.
Worcester's poor neighborhoods suffer disproportionate exposure to urban environmental health and social problems. We mainly work in the Main South and Piedmont neighborhoods, which have elevated exposure to health risks, particularly lead contamination. Soil contamination is an environmental justice issue, because it disproportionately impacts low-income communities of color in Worcester. According to the US census of 2010, 27% of individuals in the Worcester’s Main South neighborhood, where this community live, are below poverty level compare to 19% in the entire city. Older housing stock and the highway that cuts through the Main South neighborhood has also contributed to soil pollution by lead and other contaminants. As cities have far less green space than rural and suburban areas, it is of utter importance that what green space exists is suitable for use. We will educate, raise awareness, and take action with Worcester residents to reduce lead contamination in Main South and Piedmont area soils. We will do hands-on workshops that include soil sampling, interactive activities and distribution of Do-It-Yourself Lead Safe Yard Manuals. Specific action steps: --8 participatory workshops reaching 80 people, teaching them how to identify soil contaminants --12 youth trained as leaders in community environmental action --2 door-to-door outreach sessions alerting residents in high-risk areas of possible contamination, resources available and steps they can take to make safe yards --2 yards remediated --1 demonstration garden site --65 Do-It-Yourself Lead Safe Yard Manuals distributed