Creating green spaces in urban and overburdened communities can sometimes be challenging, but it is vital to creating an environment that improves overall health and quality of life.
This is a priority in New Jersey, the most densely populated state in the country. This past year, New Jersey has experienced some of its poorest air quality on record. This must change. We must find solutions to minimize air pollution’s impact on the most vulnerable populations who experience it the most.
Disadvantaged black and brown communities have known for years their neighborhoods lack resources. They are almost three times more likely than white communities to live in “nature deprived” areas—without parks, walking paths, or green spaces.
The heightened awareness of the value of green spaces, urban farming, community gardens, and exposure to parks is gaining traction with policymakers due to increases in pollution, flooding, and disease—all exacerbated by climate change.
We as advocates, legislators, and environmental justice leaders must collaborate in practical ways with these disadvantaged communities to develop policies, strategies, and plans, and carry them forward to implementation. It is easier to just lay out plans for any project without community input, but this is not the ideal practice to follow. It is better to engage with these communities from the beginning, because each community is unique and knows its needs best.
There are a few communities in the state that have community gardens and urban farming and can be considered models for best practices. One of these is in Newark, where Tobias A. Fox founded Newark Science and Sustainability (Newark SAS) 10 years ago.
Newark SAS is a community-driven, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates educational programs, agricultural training, and community green development initiatives to ensure eco-conscious communities and healthy food access locally and globally.
Fox is also managing director of Newark SAS, which practices “intergenerational sustainability”: satisfying the needs of the current population without sacrificing the welfare of future generations.
Another example can be found in Camden, where the Center for Environmental Transformation (CFET) manages approximately half an acre of gardens across three sites. The soil used for growing crops has been tested by a soil scientist to ensure it is free of heavy metals. Where levels have been unacceptably high, CFET members have built raised beds and filled them with clean soil.
Yet another urban farming success is North Camden Community Gardens (NCCG), an organization that supports its community not only by beautifying the neighborhood but also by introducing all ages to urban greening and agriculture. The program focuses on A-Z gardening: vermiculture (worm farming), tree and plant care, seed harvesting and germinating, how to maintain a greenhouse, and more.
These are just a few examples of urban farming in the state of New Jersey. Even though communities may face some challenges, with the right resources, tools, and support they can create favorable outcomes for a healthier and sustainable future. We must band together to make our environment the best it can be. With collective and conscious effort it can become reality!
One valuable resource for those who wish to get started is the Conservationist of Color Playbook, by John S. Watson Jr., co-executive director of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. This online resource describes tools and strategies for restoring greenery to long-deprived urban neighborhoods. It also provides chapters on air pollution, stormwater management and green infrastructure for cleaner air and water, and birding. In short, it has something of value for everyone.