Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
In partnership with the Village of Pinecrest, The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida (rural zip codes 33194, 33144, & 34141) is located in the middle of the largest wetland in the country and geographically central within what is now the largest restoration projects in the world - Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. The community population is primarily Indigenous Miccosukee, with a workforce consisting of people who commute from neighboring communities.The county of Miami-Dade, one of the largest counties in the USA, is now struggling with a globally recognized issue as it relates to the management of municipal waste following the failure of the county's primary incinerator. To compound the issue, the county landfills are reaching their end of service, and any space for expansion has been denied due to sprawling developments absorbing as much prime farmland as they will be allowed in one direction and the Everglades Urban Development Boundary on the other side struggling to maintain shape while being just a few cuts shy of a thousand. Furthermore, the entire county of Monroe was dependent on Miami-Dade County's waste management strategies as well. As a result, an alarming rate of waste is being exported, exponentially compounding both the climate and the economic impact of each pound of material discarded within the county.Each community within Miami-Dade County must do their part to draw down these impacts collectively, and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians intends to set an example of how self-reliance is key to regenerative and resilient economies that are healthy for everyone.Everglades Earth Cycle is a story about how one of the most privileged and financially wealthy communities of a region symbiotically collaborates through reciprocity and kinship with what may be the most underestimated and disenfranchised people of a region. It is a story of how one of the most traditionally healthy and knowledgeable communities of a region begins to heal and reclaim the determination of their land (however incrementally) from the ground up, starting with the soil. Together, they will create a regionally economic impact that is 17 times that of the original investment.The "Everglades Earth Cycle" pilot will reduce the Village of Pinecrest, Miami-Dade County, and Miccosukee Tribe of Indian municipal organic material from landfills or incinerators. The program will do this by diverting organic materials away from the existing linear cradle-to-grave systems and integrating a scaling amount of the material into a regional scale, regeneratively healing, cyclical system we all know as Everglades. This is achieved by collecting organic material at scale in the urban and suburban communities of the county for vermiculture and composting processing by local organic farmers in Miami-Dade County, then delivering the high-quality finished compost, soil amendments, and soil for application to the people who have since time immemorial recognize their life, culture, language, and every being as inseparable from this circular system we call Everglades, The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida.The Village of Pinecrest serves as a political trendsetter within the county, and our actions hold a lot of influence that echoes and cannons throughout our neighbors. What we start and promote, the other incorporated cities, villages, and towns of Miami-Dade County tend to follow. The Village of Pinecrest is committed to developing a dynamic and adaptable program that will serve as a template and model of success.The "Everglades Earth Cycle" program will not only divert material from landfills and incinerators produced by the Village of Pinecrest and Miami-Dade County within the urban environments, but will also return much-needed soil to the Greater Everglades that provide a home and harbor to the diverse biome of life whose health is directly correlated to the health of the water then returned to the rest of Miami-Dade County and region. The primary goal of the program is to serve as one of the most visible and habit-forming economic resilience tools for the communities in which the program operates.For the success of this program, the Village of Pinecrest plans to collaborate with neighboring municipal communities facing the same regional concerns to implement a multi-stage and multi-municipality regional demonstration project for a more regenerative economy. To date, a municipal composting and food waste reduction plan has not been initiated within the tribe, resulting in 100% of all material being hauled to neighboring landfills and the former incinerator. This initiative aims to enable the Village of Pinecrest to help the Tribe take the first steps towards processing organic material internally, fostering self-reliance and economic resilience by reducing the need for external waste-hauling operations. This strategy, broken up into multiple stages, will additionally regenerate the soil of the tree islands, which is crucial to the health of the Miccosukee way of life rooted within a symbiotic relationship inseparable from the Greater Everglades since time immemorial.The Village of Pinecrest has successfully piloted a composting program funded by Miami-Dade County, demonstrating a strong demand and commitment already preset within the Village to develop economically resilient and ecologically healthy habits around food waste. The designated food waste collection site Pinecrest Gardens facility and local library has garnered positive feedback from the community, particularly during the Pinecrest Farmers Market where engagement is high. The enthusiastic participation of residents and local businesses has highlighted the community's support for composting initiatives and their desire to scale further the village's capacity to repurpose food waste.The current program has effectively engaged the community, providing a convenient and accessible means for residents to contribute to sustainability efforts. The Pinecrest Farmers Market has become a focal point for food waste collection, where vendors and patrons alike have embraced the opportunity to divert organic waste from landfills. Similarly, Pinecrest Gardens and the library have served as an educational hub, promoting awareness of composting and its benefits for soil health and environmental sustainability.With the anticipated award of this grant, the Village of Pinecrest plans to expand its composting program significantly. The goal is to add seven additional collection sites in public spaces that have already been identified through qualitative outreach and assessments of available space.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
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Applied
100%
Developmental
0%
Goals / Objectives
Supporting Healthier ChoicesThe "Everglades Earth Cycle" program is based on the "Healthier Choice Hypothesis," which emphasizes the role of attitudes, perceived benefits, and social influences in decision-making related to health. The healthier choice hypothesis suggests that when individuals are provided with clear, accessible information about the health implications of their choices, and provided the determination to act on them, they are more likely to opt for healthier choices. This theory goes beyond individual health into economic and ecological health.Executive Priorities: Think Global, Cycle Regionally, and Act LocallyPatrick Geddes once said, "Think Global. Act Local" and is now known as the father of regional planning. To plan reciprocally in a manner that contributes to all life globally and locally requires observing and recognizing flows without the preconception of socially constructed boundaries, like land dispossession, for example. These flows are commonly referred to as "sheds", or "cycles". The second director of the US Geological Survey (USGS) and founder of the Bureau of Ethnology at the Smithsonian Institute, John Wesley Powell described them as "that area of land, a bounded hydrologic system, within which all living things are inextricably linked by their common water course".Contingency for Unintended Consequences The "Everglades Earth Cycle" program is a multispectrum initiative that supports multiple goals relative to needs and interests of the communities and individuals involved in the program in an attempt to mitigate unintended consequences. History continues to remind us that our beliefs in what is perceived as "healthier, regenerative choices" can potentially result in unplanned or unpredictable unintended consequences. To mitigate these unintended consequences and ensure the long-term success of the intended goal of this program, we have designed a strategy with checks and balances for the program. Strategically designed with the lessons taught to us by Patrick Geddes, the principles of the American Planning Association (APA), the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), and various other standards and bodies of thought, there is not a specific hierarchy of these goals. Each and every goal that all the participants and stakeholders have are integral to the succession of the program more similar to the web of an everadapting biome. To more easily communicate these goals and objectives, we have listed below the perceived goals of the stakeholders of this program and their qualitative value with very tangible quantitative objectives listed below them within the framework of "Circular Economy" as the central theme.Central Theme: A "Circular Economy" supports the democracy of choice and self determination of individuals by inducing a more sovereign regional economy that resiliently self-sustains value, health, and culture.Hypothises: If the "Everglades Earth Cycle" initiative can incrementally support regenerative habits of the individuals, municipalities, and business within the Everglades Watershed that through scientific methods proven to induce behavior changes in the way people perceive and treat organic material, than these habits collectively will become a cultural norm retained generationally within the water and carbon cycles of the Everglades region. This cultural norm enhanced by the unique and eclectic characteristics of the people within the region will enable a more resilient, interconnected, healthy, purpose driven, and vibrant circular economy.Goal: Redefining Waste: Induce a cultural shift regionally in the communal habits and perspectives regarding organics as an integral part of the carbon cycle and not waste, thus reducing dependencies on landfills and incinerators.Goal: Enhance Soil Health: Support the distributed organization of communities within the Everglades region to enhance their own individual soil health by providing tangible and affordable options that enhance, restore, or preserve the profitability, quality, health, and/or cultural relevance of their soil.Goal: Proactively Sustain the Urban Development Boundary: Support local farmers and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida retain determination and sovereignty of their land.Goal: Mitigate Ocean Acidification and Algae Blooms: Reduce the amount of traditional pesticides and fertilizers used by home owners, municipalities, and farmers.Goal: Economic Development: Increasing access to a participatory circular economy with very tangible and visible results. Support businesses regionally and locally with strategies that enhance the non-basic income of the municipalities they participate within.Objectives:Municipal Waste Reduction: Reduce the overall costs associated with managing waste. By diverting organic resources into compost, animal food, and soil augmentations and away from landfills and incinerators.Composting Financial Model: Develop a financially sustainable model that provides regionally produced compost and vermiculture tea for home owners, municipalities, and farmers who operate within the region.Climate Action: Support municipalities on their Climate Action plans and provide transparent, easily accessible and accurate data to support their reporting.Education and Outreach: Develop educational and habit building behavior changing material that is entertaining, convenient, constantly in view, and augmented with incentives when available. The material will inform residents and stakeholders on the value of the "Everglades Earth Cycle" and the initiatives impact on their lives.?Enhance Civic Engagement: Engage further with active participants of the "Everglades Earth Cyle" program and encourage more involvement in community initiatives, events, and self-governance.Quantitative Linear Milestones (Deliverables) :Phase 1:Miccosukee Demonstration Site: Establish a composting operation site and educational program on Tribal lands. All equipment delivered, permitted, and installed, including a composting site at the Miccosukee school garden.Pinecrest Pilot: The installation of seven (7) new community collection sites within the Village of Pinecrest is estimated to divert around 390,000pounds of organic material from landfills annually.Kickoff fundraising and educational Launch Events: One within the Village of Pinecrest Gardens and another at the Miccosikee Village. They will both be community building fundraising events paired with a ribbon cutting.Training: Conduct training sessions for staff and more direct stakeholders on composting practices. A certificate of completion signed by Dr. Sobel and the Love The Everglades Movement Board will be administered.Phase 2:Composting: Collection and processing of material along with participating Miami-Dade County farmers and vendors.Enhance: Further develop reporting techniques and technology to engage with and expand the program with companies that produce large amounts of organic material, scaling impact, and financial sustainability.Phase 3:Return: Delivery of finished product to the Miccosukee Community and discounted sales of the product to regionally local farmers, home owners, and municipalities.Data Collection & Analysis: Regularly measure and record the weight of food waste diverted and compost produced. Monthly reports, analysis, and data driven adaptations to the program.Phase 4:Expansion: Extend the program to neighboring municipalities and special districts with a templated civic engagement outreach strategy. The ribbon cutting event will replicate for each new municipality that commits to being included within the program.
Project Methods
The "Everglades Earth Cycle" project primarily employs middle-out community-based participatory approach paired with a municipal and corporate scale drive. This approach deviates from traditional methods by prioritizing social and behavioral change alongside scientific principles.The Village of Pinecrest will oversee and analyze the reports provided by Fertile Earth Worm Farm (FEWF) and the Love The Everglades Movement (LTEM) to ensure effective management of organic material collection and reporting services. This collaborative approach will facilitate a transparent and efficient system that allows for real-time monitoring and assessment of the composting program that aligns with all state and federal regulations and standards.A dedicated representative from the FEWF will be available during regular business hours to assist staff with any technical issues related to the reporting platform. Furthermore, the Village will coordinate specialized meetings with FEWF management to analyze both qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring that the program meets its objectives and exceeds expectations.The project integrates scientific knowledge in several key areas:? Composting Science: The project leverages established composting practices, incorporating both static and aerated composting methods, as well as vermicomposting. Dr. Lanette Sobel, a specialist in plant medicine with expertise in soil health and composting, oversees these processes, ensuring adherence to scientifically sound guidelines.? Soil Science: The project promotes soil health by producing high-quality compost and vermicompost, recognizing the crucial role of soil in ecosystem function. Dr. Sobel and a team of agronomists, including PhD students from Florida International University, contribute their expertise in this area.? Environmental Science: The project addresses broader environmental concerns by diverting organic waste from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable practices. It also aims to improve the health of the Everglades ecosystem by providing compost for restoration projects efforts.? Educational Workshops and Training Sessions: These will be tailored for diverse audiences, including students, residents, and staff. The content will cover composting techniques, the benefits of composting, and the connection to broader environmental issues.? Demonstration Projects: A key demonstration site at the Miccosukee school will provide a tangible example of composting in action, encouraging learning and adoption of the practice.? Community Events: Events like the kickoff fundraising dinners and the demonstration event at the Miccosukee Village aim to raise awareness, build community support, and attract sponsors.?Outreach Materials: LTEM will develop a range of materials, including flyers, brochures, and online resources, to disseminate information about composting and the program.? Signage: Clear and accessible signage at collection sites will encourage proper use and promote the program's message.? Quantitative Data Collection: FEWF will track key metrics such as the volume of organic material collected, contamination rates, cost savings from reduced landfill fees, and the amount of compost produced. The data will be accessible through a custom dashboard and client portal, allowing for transparent monitoring.? Evaluation (both quantitative and qualitative) will be a central component of the project, ensuring accountability and measuring progress towards its goals.? Qualitative Data Collection: Feedback from participants, community members, and stakeholders will be gathered through surveys and other methods to assess the effectiveness of educational programs and community engagement initiatives.? Environmental Impact Assessment: The project will monitor indicators such as soil health, water quality, eutrophication mitigation, CO2e immissions mitigation, and carbon sequestration to evaluate the program's contribution to Everglades restoration efforts. ? Economic Impact Analysis: The program will assess the economic benefits of composting and waste reduction, including cost savings, revenue from compost sales, and the impact on local businesses.? Social Impact Assessment: The program will evaluate its impact on community engagement, environmental awareness, and the adoption of sustainable practices among diverse audiences.By combining scientific principles with community engagement and a comprehensive and transparent evaluation plan, the "Everglades Earth Cycle" project aims to create a financially sustainable and impactful model for organic resources management.