CURRENT PROJECTS
Reforestations & Strengthening Food Systems
REFORESTATION
Berks County, PA
Our first project in 2024 will be reforesting a 1/2 acre at Kula Kamala Foundation and Yoga Ashram in Berks County, PA. The foundation has provided us with the space to reforest and as another measure to support their community. Together we are planting almost 200 trees and shrubs.
What our plantings will do for the community even in the early years?
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Produce 576 lbs of Oxygen
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Store 216 lbs of carbon
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Save 5944 gallons of water evaporation
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Cools the community (about 5 air conditioners working for 1000 hours!)
We will be focused on native plants and trees, which will include a mix of fruit and nut trees to be used by wildlife, as well as the foundation's kitchens, and to support their work with food donations for area food banks.
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Special Thanks for funding support to
Donors: Carrie, Yasho, Brenda, Ryan, David, Margaret, Kamala.
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Made possible by a grant from
AGROFORESTRY FOR FARMERS
Montgomery County, PA
Working with Tomorrow's Homestead, we are planting trees to incorporate an agroforestry model into agricultural land in Montgomery County, PA. A diverse array of flowering, fruit, and nut trees will be planted, and when the area is ready to produce, it will be turned over to the farmers. All fruit and nuts these trees would produce would be available for all the farmers using the land to use for personal consumption and sell. Together we are planting over 100 trees and shrubs.
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This program supports area farmers and food system developers meet the needs of the community.
Agroforestry is one of the solutions the U.N.’s FAO has recommended to mitigate climate change while protecting food systems.
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With your help we may be able to rent additional land to install a riparian buffer AND tracks in other areas on the land.
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Special Thanks for funding support to
Donors: Saraswati, Kula Kamala Foundation & Yoga Ashram
COMPOSTING
Camp Hill, PA
The Ahimsa Project will be supporting the launch of a community composting program at Market on Market (MOM) farmers market held Tuesdays during the growing season in Camp Hill borough. The market serves thousands of area residents connect with farmers and area food producers that grow and prepare foods grown within a 100 mile radius ensuring quality local foods and reduction of carbon emissions transporting food.
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Agriculture and food account for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions. In that sector, food waste contributes to 170 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. While there are many ways to address food waste, one of them is to manage existing food waste by composting.
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Composting is the process of breaking organic matter down. This happens naturally in forests with the help of animals, bugs, and microbes. This organic matter provides rich nutrients for trees and food.
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The U.S. is losing topsoil at an alarming rate which will adversely affect food systems from capacity for growth and nutritional density of crops. To mitigate this, along with increasing the health of soil in our own backyard, a sustainable and regenerative practice is to amend soil with compost.
How will it work?
Each week during MOM's market season, The Ahimsa Project will provide compost bags (one per family) to take home. Instructions on how and what to compost will be provided. Bring the compost back the following week in your bag (tied closed) and deposit into our compost bin. Pick-up a new bag to begin again.
What can I compost?
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Vegetable and fruit scraps (including pits and skins)
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Eggshells
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Leftover cooked vegan (plant-based) food
The following are NOT accepted:
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Dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, etc.)
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Egg yolk
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Meats
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Poultry (chicken, turkey)
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Fish and seafood
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Game (deer, rabbit, etc.)
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Animal bones
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Liquids
Where does my food scraps go?
Your food scraps will be dropped off to one of two locations: Cleve J. Fredricksen Library for their One Seed Grow’s children’s garden composting program and Rowan Tree Farm, a regenerative farm in Mechanicsburg, PA.
WHAT'S COMING NEXT?
Reach out to us and hear about our exciting programs for 2024 and join us as a supporter.
Donate Today
Join us as a sponsor or project friend.
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All contributions no matter how big or small support the project.
