TRAIL TRAIL TRAIL
THEINTERVIEWISSUE THEINTERVIEWISSUE THEINTERVIEWISSUE
BOULDERINGTO BOULDERINGTO BOULDERINGTO SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY
Meet Our Staff
Lauren Barnett Writer&Editor
Writer&Editor
Darssita Bhattacharya Writer,Editor& GraphicDesigner
Natalia Robles Carré
William Clark
Writer&Editor
Meet Our Staff
Evan DeAngelis
Writer&Editor
Lenna de la Cruz
Writer&GraphicDesigner
GraphicDesigner
Anastasia Formelio
Maia Dragowski
GraphicDesigner
Meet Our Staff
Morgan Garrow
Writer&Editor
Analiese Haag
Writer&Editor
Lauren Koo
Writer&Editor
Sofia Little
Editor-in-Chief
Meet Our Staff
Writer&Editor
Writer&Editor
TableofContents
TableofContents
Anna McHugh
Annika Noel
GraphicDesigner
Aleen Mizra
Lexi Tassone
GraphicDesigner
Meet Our Staff
Lindsey Wiessner
Writer&Editor,Headof Publishing
Molly Yesalavich Writer&GraphicDesigner
Emily Yang Writer&Editor,Directorof Communications
TableofContents
TableofContents
LETTERFROM THEEDITOR
DearReaders,
Formysecondissueaseditor-in-chiefofTheTrail,Iwantedtodelvedeeperinto whatfuelscuriosityandconnectionwithinourcommunity.WhenIaskedwriters what they were eager to explore next, their answer was clear: interviews. Conversations honest,curious,andopen formthefoundationofmeaningful storytelling.Thisissueisdedicatedtothisspiritofdialogue.
In this issue, you’ll find a tapestry of voices. Professors, parents, friends, and farmers each bring unique perspectives shaped by their life experiences and relationships with the world around them. Whether reflecting on sustainable agricultureordiscussingdailypracticestoreducewasteintheircommunities,their storiesofferachancetoseetheworldthroughanewlens.
Thisissueisnotjustaboutlearningfacts;it’saboutexpandingempathy.Our hopeistoencouragereaderstothinkcriticallyabouttheirchoices,relationships, androlesincreatingamoresustainableworld.Atitscore,TheTrailisaplatform forstudentvoices,butit’salsoareminderthatwe’reallconstantlylearningfrom oneanother.
Iamincrediblyproudofthewriters,editors,anddesignerswhomadethisissue possible. Interviews are no small feat they require careful listening, thoughtful questioning,anddistillingmeaningfulinsightsfromcomplexconversations.With thesemester’sendapproaching,theteam’sdedicationtoTheTrailanditsmission goestoshowtotheirpassionandresilience.
ThankyouforpickingupthisissueofTheTrailandhappyreading! SofiaLittle
DiggingIn: FoodWasteMeetsSustainability
By:DarssitaBhattacharya
It’s late afternoon at the Rutgers dining hall, and as students grab a last-minute meal between classes, bins quickly fill up with untouched portions and half-eaten sandwiches Most students don’t think twice as they scrape their plates clean into the trash but collectively, the impact is huge. That was the start of a food revolution, in which Rutgers University adopted more sustainable food practices following 2021, when the food waste problem was especially atrocious The reality was that collectively, the four dining halls at Rutgers New Brunswick produce up to 50 tons of food waste daily, equivalent to half of a house or a fully grown humpback whale (The Daily Targum, 2021). Besides dealing with food waste, making changes from the inside out is essential rather than opting for small or temporary solutions. Instead of becoming bogged down by this continual waste production, Rutgers faculty uses these food waste issues as motivation to create a greener campus, and initiatives to create change are already in action.
The goal was to implement this hydroponic system at Harvest, located on Cook Douglass, at the IFNH building, and a place for students to purchase nutritious and wholesome meals with their meal swipes. Thus, Marian Hollenback, a junior pursuing a career in Plant Science, stepped in to take the role of student manager for Harvest, overseeing the new hydroponics systems.
One solution to food waste is providing good quality food to students that is nutritious, healthy, and sustainable, in contrast with dining hall food that is often inedible and unappetizing but mass-produced to accommodate thousands of students. This raises the question of how to address the problem of substandard food quality and excessive waste, but the community is already making changes A change built for long-term success and effectiveness is hydroponics, which yields high-quality produce while minimizing waste. The project began when Ella Walmsley, the president of Agroponics Farms in another club called Enactus, sought a passionate individual to lead her initiative into a project.
Marian was tasked to take care of the system, described as “an indoor closed system soil-less growing method…its seeds are planted in a little growing medium, a substrate cube, and the roots go down into a reservoir that holds water that is enhanced with dissolved nutrients…then, the leaves of the plant grow up towards the LED lights and end up in sunlight And every couple of weeks, we’ll refill the water and add more nutrients…then, probably around once a week, I harvest the plants, and we’ll use them.” The key to healthy and abundant plants for the famed wall in Harvest is to ensure the use of permaculture.
Pictured above is the “Living Wall”, a vertical garden grown with the hydroponics system. It spans upwards of three floors and located in the Atrium.
Marian Hollenback
More specifically, Harvest focuses on apply permaculture principles to create environment where fruits and vegetables c flourish, recognizing that not all plants c thrive in a low-maintenance growing syste
Due to some challenges, Marian navigated h to plant the appropriate seeds effectively a mentioned that “because of the limitations have, monetary restrictions, time restriction only during working hours, which [are] limit And then I also don’t have my own resource need to go through with other people to pretty much anything But I am inspired permaculture principles in that we are choos plants that will not require any sort augmentation of the soil or the environment get them to grow where they are.” Ha provides a plethora of options. Marian men some, such as “spinach, kale, chard, a varie different lettuces, fresh herbs, mint. We’ve bok choy, we’ve done tomatoes. We’re plan things like blueberries that already have a sandy soil, which is what we have. So w using plants that do well with the condi already present, which makes it easier on easier on all of us, easier on the land as wel Harvest continues to prosper under Mar and the team's care, the entire hydrop system is a well-oiled network run by g contributions. Chef Alex, the head che Harvest, is the biggest example of how m passion goes into devoting time and energ quality ingredients for the best results
Chef Alex & Marian
She inspires Marian and the rest of the team, always encouraging the community to come together with sustainable and healthy food. The best part is that the food grown from the hydroponics system is not only used for Harvest food, but also contributes to providing food for the food pantry. The food pantry is a tool for Rutgers students who do not have funds to purchase food and offers a way for students to get food without a monetary barrier The food pantry does not always carry fresh or healthy food, but Harvest is working to change that with the help of the hydroponic system. Chef Alex, Marian, and the team are fueling the community of Rutgers by deciding to “provide fresh and healthy food while also educating them and the public on [our] products.” It is essential to see that food is a product of ethical practices.
Marian’s passion for plant science shows in her skills and desire for xceptional food quality.
As the hydroponics system has shown, food is not simply fuel for the body but also how everyone connects as a community. Marian is a devoted student who wants to make food delicious and sustainable and is simply “interested in both ends of the farm-to-table path”
She articulates enthusiastically, “I like the farm, I like growing plants, and I like serving food, I like eating food, and I like working with people. So I want to condense the farm-to-table path in a way that allows people to directly connect the food they’re eating with the soil or nutrient mixture that the food comes from”. Her drive to transform the farm-to-table journey is not solely an ambition but a spark of a movement. Rutgers University has a unique opportunity to harness her passion and to lead the way in revolutionizing how we grow, share, and value food, tackling food waste one meaningful connection at a time
Boulderingisatypeofrockclimbingthat involves climbing up short rock faces without any rope. Popularly done outside, it’s a sport championed by many environmentalists. Peter Evanowski is a student at Raritan Valley Community Collegestudyingenvironmentalscienceand has been bouldering for three years. He is experienced in tri-state bouldering locations and works at Gravity Vault Flemington, an indoor rock climbing gym. This interview will cover local bouldering areas, practices, and how rock climbing can become more sustainable.Thefirstquestionaskedwashow bouldering is unique and where some popular locations are around New Jersey. Peterexplainedthatit’sdistinctbecauseofits difficulty level.With rope climbing, most wallsarebetween40-200feettall,andthere arevaryingdifficultiesandholds.
Enduranceisthelargestchallengewiththiskind ofclimbing,butthewallsaremuchshorterwith bouldering.
“Bouldering is like the sprinting of climbing. It’sdifficultbutforashortamountoftime”.
Boulderingisalsouniquebecauseofitsfocuson the outdoors. Some of the most popular places recommendedbyPeterareHaycockMountainin PA, the Sourland Mountain Preservation in Branchburg, and the Shawangunk Mountains (theGunks)inupstateNY.
IalsoaskedPeterwhatkindofgearisrequired forclimbingoutdoors.Heexplainedthatoneof the reasons he loves bouldering is because it doesn’t require expensive equipment like harnessesandropes.
“Allyoucouldneedareshoesandareallygood spotteroracrashpad”.
Because most bouldering walls are 10-15 feet tall, climbers don’t always need a lot of gear. Crash pads can get expensive but last up to a decadeiftakencareofproperly.Asforcosts,pads canbeboughtsecond-handorsharedamongsta group.Chalkisoneofthemoreexpensivetools for climbing alongside shoes because it's a repetitivepurchase.Bothareusedtogainbetter grips on slippery rock faces and smooth, flat surfaces. However, chalk is used sparingly, and shoescanbeboughtsecond-hand.
One of the largest issues in climbing I was interested in was using chalk outdoors. Because chalk is made out of magnesium carbonate, it posespotentialenvironmentalrisksandismade unethically.
Popular chalk companies like Black Diamond andFrictionLabssourcemagnesitefromChina, whichproduces70%oftheworld’sentiresupply. This material is processed in large factories and produces a mass amount of chalky byproducts, which are littered across neighboring towns, mimicking the appearance of snow. Chalk also affects local ecosystems because it reduces the ratesofphotosynthesisandpHlevelsinthesoil. IaskedPeterabouttheseissuesandhowclimbers navigatetheuseofchalkinbouldering.
“Ithinkalotofclimbersdon’tactuallyknow thatchalkisunsustainable”.
He explains that,, like many other products obtainedunethically,thebestthingtodoislimit use. Because chalk is such an essential part of climbingandisalsousedforsafetyreasons,it’s hard for climbers to avoid it completely. There isn’t a good alternative for chalk or its companies, an issue rooted in institutional problems beyond our control. However, even climbers who aren’t aware of the unethical impacts of chalk are extremely careful when usingitoutdoors.Becauseofhowexpensiveitis, only a little is used at a time, and rock faces outside are almost always brushed to remove excesschalk.Infact,leavingwhitesmearsoutside is frowned upon in the climbing community because,asPeterdescribes, “Itcanbelikegraffitisometimes”.
Seeingthiscommunity'soutlookonchalkand protecting the environment, I then asked about thecultureinboulderinganditsrelationshipwith the outdoors. He expressed that a lot of boulderersarealsostewardsofthelandandthat most individuals are extremely conscious of environmental impacts. In the past, bouldering wasfrowneduponinmanyareasinthetri-state areabecauseboulderershadpoorpublicopinion. Climbersscratchandchiprocks,pollute,anduse wirebrushesandpickstodefacenaturalrockfaces in trails and parks. However, modern-day climbingisbasedonpreventingthosepastissues and working towards a more sustainable relationshipwiththeenvironment.Forexample, boulderersarenowmorelikelytouseboar-head or synthetic brushes to preserve rock surfaces.
Peter also explained that many climbers are part of environmental coalitions like the American Access Fund, which focuses on sustainable climbing and preservation. Additionally, hundreds of individuals around the nation are dedicatedtoreducingpollutionandclearingtrails forhikersandotherrecreationalactivities.
“Evenacoupleofpistachioshellsarepickedup”. He also described one example of how boulderingwastemporarilyreducedintheGunks toprotectperegrinefalcons.Becauseofthehigh amountofhumanactivity,noise,andindividuals on the mountain, vulnerable populations were disturbed. As a result, the community came togethertoreducehumandensity.
Outsideoflocalclimbingculture,Ialsoasked Peter how he got into climbing and how it can becomemoresustainable.
“I’ve been climbing stuff since I was two years old.Mymomwouldfindmeontopofthefridge or[the]dogwoodtree”.
Peter spoke passionately about how the sport allowed him to connect with the environment and explore his hometown. He stated that education on environmental issues and land use ethics needs to be increased to preserve his passion. In the context of bouldering’s rising popularity, people need to be aware of their impactsinclimbingandtheoutdoorcommunity.
Throughout the interview, it was clear how excited Peter was about bouldering and how it takes form separate from exercise and sport. Bouldering is inherently linked with the environment, forcing individuals to take sustainable actions and be more aware of their behaviors. With the community's help, a green futureispossible,andclimberscontinuetoplay anessentialroleinlocalconservation.
(image2takenbyPeterEvanowski)
Interdisciplinary Environmental Education
with Xenia Morin
Like many EPIB students, I am exploring which career path I want to pursue after collegewhiletakingadvantageofthepresent to gain knowledge and enhance my passion for sustainability. After taking an Environmental Education and Communications class, I have been particularlyinterestedintheroleteachingcan play in addressing complex environmental problems, such as managing food systems amidsttheclimatecrisis.Thisledmetoreach outtoRutgers’veryownDr.XeniaMorin.
Associate teaching professor within the Plant Biology Department, Dr. Morin, has beenworkingatRutgerssince2012,starting as the lead in the grant facilitation office. Since 2015, she has been teaching in the Agriculture and Food Systems program Dr Morinisequippedwithvariousaccoladesthat enhance her impact here at Rutgers. After attending the University of Toronto as an undergraduate, she received her PhD at Cornell University studying membrane biology, completed a postdoctoral in GermanyattheEuropeanmolecularbiology labs, raised a family, worked as a teaching/ researchpostdoctoralatBrynMawrCollege, and taught her first food oriented course at theWritingProgramatPrincetonUniversity
BY: ANALIESE HAAG
Her interdisciplinary background and extensive experience in science and the humanities create a well-rounded learning environment in classes such as Careers in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Feeding the World (honors seminar), and Sustainability: Tackling Food Waste. Through discussion with Dr. Morin, I discoveredherpassionforeverythingshedoes, especiallyherworkhereatRutgers,whereshe strives to support her students in pursuing fulfillingcareers.Iamdelightedtoshareour discussion, which sheds light on climate change, food systems, and the role interdisciplinary education can play in tacklingtheseissues.
Q:Whatsparkedyourinterestinthefield of agricultural education? A: In a biology course I took as an undergrad, we talked aboutplantsandtheirbiologicalsystems.The question of how we will feed the growing population was posed. This question stuck with me, and in my junior year at the UniversityofToronto,Ibegantoansweritby recognizing the instrumental role plants playedwithinallbioticsystems.
The TRAIL
Q: What has your experience within academia been like, and how may it differ fromothers?
A: I have participated in research on plant biology,biochemistry,andmolecularbiology. WhenIsteppedawayfromsciencetostartmy family, I began spending time with other families.Allaround,Iheardquestionsabout our food systems, with people asking what theyshouldfeedtheirkidsandwhattomake ofallthegeneticallymodifiedfoodwithinthe market Returning to academia, I began my journeyintothinkingabouthowsciencecan inform or distress society. This was a space whereIcouldbringascientificperspectiveto my understanding of society that I gained fromeverydaylife.Ididn’twanttobeapart of the ivory tower of academia; rather, I wantedmyacademiclifetoconnecttothereal world.Ithinkwe'reheretoservesocietyand candoitthroughourteachingandresearch.
Q: How did you arrive at Rutgers in particular?
A:WhileworkingatPrinceton,Iwasaskedto jointheenvironmentalstudiesprogramwhere I could be at the forefront of innovation by working with my colleagues to develop our teaching skills and thinking about how we teachstudents,preparethemfortheirfuture, andhelpthembecomegoodcommunicators. Allofthisshapedmyexperienceandbrought metojointheagriculturalscienceprogramat
Q: What inspires your work here at Rutgers?
A:I'mdrivenbythechallengesoutthereand adesiretohelpyoungpeoplerealizethatthere aredifferentcareerpathsandwaystheirskills canbeharnessedtosetthemupforsuccessin thefuture.Oneofmyfavoritethingstodoat Rutgers is to mentor students. I learn somethingeverydayfrommystudents.Ihave come to know them very well, and seeing them succeed as they follow their careers is veryrewarding.Itispartofmyjobtoguide themtowardtherightclassorconnectthem tothepeoplethatwillallowthemtodiscover theirpaths.
Q:Whatisyourperspectiveontheroleof environmentaleducation?
A:Withinenvironmentaleducation,weneed to be realistic but also hopeful. We need to understandthatwestillhavealotofcontrol over what the future will be like and that everyone has a role to play. The role of environmental education is to build environmentalliteracy Sincesomanypeople aredisconnectedfromthenatural world, we needtohelppeople,especiallythosewhohave
The TRAIL
Q: Can you shed light on the overlap between sustainability and local food systems?
A:We'reinahistoricdroughtrightnow,and it'simportanttohavelocal,regional,national, and international food systems because we needresiliencyinthesystem.I'mnotsureif we'llevergettosustainability.Sustainabilityis an aspiration. Part of what we need is more resiliency. We've come to depend on our grocerystores,andwecankeepthingsstocked becausefoodisproducedindifferentplaces. We are going to be challenged to produce food everywhere. Considering differences in landscapes,seasonality,andnativeplantsthat necessitate the global diet we are working to maintain,traderelationswillbeakeypartof buildingresiliency.
Q: How does climate change play into thesechallenges?
A:Duetoclimatechange,wewillhaveparts oftheworldwherethecropswillfailbecause there'stoomuchwaterandfloods,orthere's too little water and drought. Thus, we must figureouthowtobuildamoreresilientplace that is willing to share food across nations. Rightnow,aswechat,there'sfaminebecause ofwar,there'sfaminebecauseofclimate.We havealwayshadfood-insecurepeople,butthis isthefirsttimeinaverylongtimethatfamine isbackonthetable.Ourresourcesarebeing stretchedthin.
Q:Whereshouldenvironmentaleducation be implemented, in formal or informal settings?
A: Both, everywhere, all the time. In New Jersey, school standards promote an understanding of the earth, plate tectonics, evolution, and other overarching topics. But after-school programs are fabulous ways to engageyouth.Atthecollegelevel,groupslike Students for Environmental Awareness (SEA),peoplelearninghowtoproducetheir own food, and other extracurricular experiences can be critical in promoting action.PartofwhatIhopeisthatpeoplewill be inspired to act. Educators can create environments that lead to students having moreconfidenceandagency,thusmotivating them to make a difference. From the agricultural education perspective, where we useourhandstobuildthings,Iseeeducation assomethingwherephysicalandmentalwork canbeintegrated.Weneedeveryonetorollup theirsleeves,tomotivateothers,andtoact.
XeniaMorin(frontrow,left)withSEBSfacultyChloeHawkingsandBen Linter(frontrow,right),SASfacultyLauraSchneider(backrow,4th fromright)andstudentsofthe“TropicalEnvironmentsandSociety” studyabroadcourseinCostaRica,March2022.PhotocourtesyofBen Lintner
Q: What is your personal connection to environmentaleducation?
A:Igrewupinacity.Ilivedinthesuburbs. Now, I live on the edge of a forest, and becauseofthisaccesstoland,Ihaveseenmy personalgrowthandreconnectiontonature. Environmentaleducationisaboutbuildingan understanding of natural systems, not as somethingelsebutassomethingweareapart of
Q: How do you believe interdisciplinary environmental education could affect climatechange?
A: So I served as a co-chair and member of Rutgers, a climate Task Force, and we were very solutions-oriented. But I think if you don't have the environmental literacy component,thosesolutionswon’tmakesense and won’t be able to impact If we want to move forward, environmental education will increase our understanding of why certain things are proposed and how following specificadviceonlivingmoresustainablycan be beneficial. Through interdisciplinary education,peoplecanlearnmorethanjustthe what; they can learn the how and the why, whichwillhelpthembuyintotheprocess.
Q: How can sustainability help address foodshortages?
A: Sustainability is hard; producing food is hard and getting harder as the significant biogeochemical cycles are being altered. Still, there are adaptation strategies we can have; there is a way forward. It will require coordination from legislators, governments, private industries, NGOs, and consumers who can signal through the foods they purchasewhatkindsofchangestheywantto seewithintheirfoodsystems.
Q:Couldyoushareyourinsightsintothe decline in teacher attrition and how this could be affecting environmental education?
A: There's been a shortage of agricultural scienceeducatorsformanyyears,butbecause of COVID, school environments, and technology changes, people are considering retiringorleavingtheircareers.Unlessyou've beenintheseatofateacherandyouseewhat it takes to prepare your classes, grade, and converteverythingtobeonline,youwouldn’t recognizetherecentincreaseintheworkload. Someoftheburnoutisfromnotrecognizing theinvisibleworkthatmakeseverythingrun smoothly in a classroom. Our students are perhapsmorediverse,andteachersneedmore support.IntheDepartmentofAgriculture,a dedicated person is there to help support teachers,especiallynewteacherscominginto theprofession.Thereareorganizationssuchas FFA that support informal education. Even with this support, there are still challenges when recruiting environmental and other educators.
Q:Whatarethechallengeswhenitcomes torecruitingenvironmentaleducators?
A: A lot of it comes down to the level of respect teachers receive When things are goingwell,weforgettorecognizethepeople who helped it get there. This is why I often ask my students to think of a teacher who made a difference in their lives. So far, everyone has been able to answer that question.So,youcanlookatteachersasthe foundation of all careers. It's not just the content; it's how they treat the students and how they empower students to be thinkers anddoers.Environmentaleducatorsaregreat heroes because they try to connect what happensintheclassroomtotheworld.
Q:Whatdrivesyoutocontinueyourwork asateacher?
A:Ihavebeenblessedwithsomereallygood teachers,andItrytobethatformystudents. Sometimes, teachers are viewed only as contentproviders,whereasinagricultureand foodsystems,thereisaninherentconnection topeople’sfood,culture,andlives.Ihavehad studentstellmetheywerethinkingaboutmy class as they went grocery shopping. One of the cool things about teaching college studentsisyou'regoingfromthepersonyou wereattheendofhighschooltobecomingan independentadult.Andasateacher,youget tohelpstudentsfigureoutwhatthatwilllook like.
Q: Do you have any tips for students trying to enter agricultural science or education?
A: Many students haven't thought about teachingasacareer,andIwouldlikethemto sit and think about a special teacher in their life and how they changed their trajectory. I wouldaskthemiftheywouldwanttobethat person. There are so many pathways to agriculturaleducation;weneedteacherswho careforthesubjectandthepeopletheyteach. AtRutgers,youcanfindthatpathway
Q:Doyouhaveanyfinaladviceyouwould liketoshare?
A:Ialwaystellpeopletogetcurious.Atthe heartofagoodteacher,attheheartofagood citizen, is someone curious. Somehow, along theway,manystudentshavelosttheirdriveto learn.Theythinkgoingtoschoolisallabout checklistsandgettingthingsdone.Itispartof myroleasaneducatortoinvitequestionsand cultivatecuriosity.
Dr. Morin had extensive knowledge and compassion to share. Beyond the classroom, there is so much to learn from the people aroundyou.Don’tbeafraidtogooutthere and ask your peers and faculty questions about environmental topics or anything that sparksyourinterest Byengaginginin-depth discussions,youcanincreasebothyourown understanding and that of others. And who knows, you may just have a knack for environmentaleducation!
Sara Yesalavich’s Ins
by Molly Yesalavich
Jersey City is a busy urban area known for its mix of historic appeal, cultural diversity, and modern development. Just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, it’s a city that both matches and contrasts with New York City, shaped by a strong sense of community and local pride. Yet, like many urban areas, Jersey City faces growing environmental challenges that range from air pollution and waste management to limited green spaces and the effects of climate change. As these issues become more pressing, residents are rethinking their daily habits and embracing sustainability in creative and meaningful ways.
With its dense population and urban landscape, Jersey City faces many unique challenges regarding sustainability. Rising pollution levels and the high energy demands of city life strain the environment. However, the city has also embraced green initiatives recently, from adding bike lanes and expanding public transportation options to supporting community gardens and recycling programs. These citywide efforts provide opportunities for residents to live more sustainably, yet the real power lies in individuals' daily choices. In Jersey City, individuals are demonstrating the positive impact of diversity on innovation and the community's role in advancing the public effort to address environmental challenges.
An interview with a Jersey City resident, Sara Yesalavich, shows what sustainability looks like on a deeper level and with more understanding of how eco-conscious choices are made in everyday life. Sara regularly donates unwanted household items to the Green Drop in her apartment building. “Instead of just throwing them away,” she says, “clothing items, household items, anything you could put in there.” This program and individuals' involvement helps reduce waste and gives to people in need. Moreover, Sara talks about how a lot of people in her area order takeout, which comes with plastic containers, “and you can reuse them,” she says while explaining how her cabinet is full of them, “But I wish they would have a more sustainable packaging for their takeout options.”
At the same time, she expressed how she would like a way to donate these containers since she does not want them to contribute to plastic waste.
Sara also tries to take public transportation as much as possible so she is not driving as much. Still, she thinks that “the city needs to be a little bit more walkable,” she explains, “If I wanted to go to a different grocery store beside the one by me, they're all far away and you can’t really take a train to get there, so you’d have to walk. If I wanted to go to Target it would be like a thirty-minute walk.” When asked about any unsustainable practices she witnessed while living in Jersey City, she talked about car congestion and how she thinks it is caused by “just not having enough options nearby where people live and them having to take their car and drive to go to a store rather than just walking.”.
Despite the efforts of individuals like Sara, sustainability in an urban environment is filled with challenges. Many residents struggle with the time constraints that make some sustainable options less accessible.
Sara, for instance, points out that if she wanted to go to a local farmers market, she would have to take a thirty-minute walk and say,s “Sometimes I just don’t have the time to do that walk.” Yet, the overall outlook remains hopeful. As more residents embrace ecofriendly practices and advocate for improved infrastructure, Jersey City is moving steadily towards a greener future.
Jersey City’s sustainability journey shows how individual actions and community efforts can create a lasting impact. Whether gardening on a rooftop, biking to work, or reducing waste at home, each resident’s choices contribute to a larger, collective goal of reducing the city’s carbon footprint. As Jersey City continues to grow, its residents’ commitment to sustainability is a powerful example of how cities can evolve with the environment. The small, everyday choices made by residents like Sara highlight the truth we can all take to heart: change begins at home, and sustainability is within reach if everyone does their part.
wheretobeginBeekeeping
By Lindsey Wiessner
Whether you’re an ecologist or simply interested in sustainability, one insect known by all to have important ecological value is the bee. Save the Bees campaigns have been developing all over the world to advocate for the protection of bees and their habitats. As pollinators for crops, and flowers, as well as feed for livestock, bees certainly deserve their reputation as an essential part of the world’s ecology (Varela 2023). Because of this, decreases in bee populations are extremely concerning. With habitat loss, harsher climates, pests, and diseases, it has become increasingly difficult for bees to survive on their own. In fact, Greenpeace reports a decline of about 60% in honey bee populations between the years of 1947 and of 2008 (Greenpeace 2024). With these population declines, many have been looking into beekeeping as a way to ensure that bee populations can continue to thrive.
To gain more information about the benefits and basic components of beekeeping, I decided to interview Eric Hanan, a beekeeper at Bee Haven Bees in Essex County, NJ. he interview began with Eric explaining how he became involved in beekeeping, and how it eventually became his profession.
Eric explained that he “was a television producer for 20 years for ABC News 20/20 and NBC’s Dateline” before realizing that he wanted to leave this profession and get involved with the outdoors in some way. He was at a sheep shearing festival in Long Valley, NJ, where he met a beekeeper who happened to be located in West Caldwell, very close by where Eric lives in Glen Ridge. Eric worked with this beekeeper as his mentor, took a Beginner’s Beekeeping Class offered by the state, and started his own hive. Eric explained how his passion for beekeeping grew, stating “after I got my first year’s honey, I never wanted to be without it again.”
At Bee Haven Bees, Eric sets up beehives for his clients, which mainly include pharmaceuticals, hospitals, and residents within the area. Eric explains that Bee Haven Bees has “dozens of hives now all over the place, as far west as Pennsylvania and as far east as the Bronx,” on the rooftop of the St. Barnabas Hospital. Eric explained that all of the honey from these hives goes to the clients, but there are also a lot of other resources that can be used in this process, like excess wax and propolis. Eric has been using the wax to make candles for a “holiday fair here at the local Glen Ridge High School” and his father makes propolis spray purported to help with sore throats and skin issues.
In order to understand the complexities of bees within ecosystems, I asked some questions about the basic structure of a honeybee hive and how bees behave. Eric explained that female bees are worker bees who have a variety of responsibilities. These worker bees will “forage for pollen and nectar…meet some of the house bees that are younger than them” and then these younger bees will “swap the nectar…chew it up and spit it back out into the cells” and mix this nectar with enzymes to create honey. Worker bees are also responsible for climate control within the hive, they build the wax comb, and they exude royal jelly that is essential for raising a queen. Worker bees live for about six weeks, until late fall. Worker bees that are born in late fall “will take the hive through the winter” because they are not flying, and therefore their wings are not weakened.
Male bees are drones, whose main job is to inseminate the queen bee. Only some drones will mate with the queen, and these bees die, because the queen “rips them apart a little bit, and they die in the process.” Other drones will find a hive to spend the rest of the summer in, and at the end of this season, they are kicked out to their deaths. The queen bee is “hatched by virtue of a royal jelly diet in a female egg that’s less than four days old.” Multiple queen eggs will be made if it is determined that the hive needs a new queen, and whichever of these eggs hatches first will stab all of the other potential queens in development, to kill them. The queen mates with about a dozen drones, and then will begin to lay many eggs, about “2-3 thousand eggs a day sometimes in the spring.” Queens generally live for about three, sometimes four years.
Bees communicate through “pheromones, through scent, and through a dance to tell one another where to go [to find nectar]”. Additionally, the interviewee explained that bees “all work collectively to really serve the common good.” He explained that, while their communication is still not completely understood, bees will act selflessly, to sacrifice themselves for the good of the hive. This can be during times when there is not much food or when there is an intruder and they must defend the hive. Their decisions are all made together and are meant to contribute to the common good.
When discussing the biggest threats that face the bee community, Eric explained that Varroa mites have been “the biggest problems for the bees.” Eric treats his hives three times a year to “knock down the population of the mites” and keep the hives healthy. Some other threats are monocultures, pesticides, and the transportation of hives. Monocultures do not “provide much diversity to a honeybee’s diet” and pesticides can impact the neurological systems of bees and other insects.
Additionally, when hives are being transported they tend to have diets lacking in nutrition, similar to the problems seen in monocultures.
Finally, Eric explained how regular people without hives can help the bee community. He explained that spraying herbicides and pesticides on your lawns “to keep your lawn perfectly green” does not provide enough nutrients for honeybees. He explains that if you can “deal with clover and dandelions and not have to kill them as soon as you see them, that would reduce the amount of pesticides that the bees are exposed to and it would also provide them an early spring source of food.”
Eric also suggests spraying less roundup on your weeds and managing your land in a more sustainable way. Overall, there are many ways that people can help bee communities, ranging from caring for their own hives to lowering the amount of pesticides they spray. People can also learn a lot from honeybees, and “the way that the bees take care of one another.”
Combining this mindset with more of a focus on biodiversity and sustainability will provide benefits that span beyond the bee community alone.
Rutgers IWL Prepares for Spring 2025 Symposium:
AMILLIA KEAGLE’S INVOLVEMENT
By: Morgan Garrow
Rutgers University offers endless opportunities for its students, but I’d like to highlight an upcoming event regarding social and environmental justice that is unlike any other. Rutgers Institute for Women’s Leadership (IWL), a consortium of 9 departments dedicated to education, research, and public service in social justice and gender equality, has spent this semester coordinating anexcitingeventforSpring2025.TheIWLhas various programs, such as the Leadership Scholars Certificate Program, WINGS Mentoring Program, Alison R. Bernstein Media Mentoring Program, and internship opportunities (Institute for Women’s Leadership, 2024). Each year, the IWL puts togetherasymposium,invitingmembersofthe Rutgers community to attend, listen to guest speakers, and participate in roundtable discussions.InSpring2024,theyorganizedthe Laurie Chair Symposium: Activism for Reproductive and Health Justice, with accredited guest speakers such as Roxane Gay andStephaniaTaladrid(Eventbrite,2023).
To learn more about the IWL’s upcoming symposium, Feminist Leaders in Climate Action, I interviewed Amillia Keagle, a junior journalismmajorinvolvedinthisproject.
Whenaskedhowshegotinvolvedinthisproject, Amilia stated, “I am a member of the student advisory board, and I found out about this opportunity because I am in the Leadership Scholarship Certificate Program.” After talking toherprofessor,RebeccaMark,thedirectorof the IWL and head of this symposium, Amilia joined the task force of dedicated students. I askedAmilliaaboutthestudentadvisoryboard and her role in this planning process. She said, “What’suniqueabouttheadvisoryboardorjust theeventingeneralisthatit’sreallytargetedat undergraduate students.” She also mentioned recruitingapproximately5otherundergraduate women to participate on this board alongside her, all contributing to the planning of the symposium by researching guest speakers, helping with the event's promotion, and giving feedbackonthedecision-makingprocess.
Amillia also mentioned another undergraduate student, Megan Ulozas, who is an environmental engineering student in her second year of the Leadership Scholars CertificateProgram.Shehasavitalroleinthis dedicatedteam.Sheliaisesbetweenthestudent advisory board, the director, and other staff, ensuring that information is communicated smoothly. After explaining the key figures behindthisinitiative,Amilliawentintodetail abouttheformatandscopeoftheevent.This symposium is free and open to all Rutgers students with the hope of at least 100 undergraduate attendees. It is scheduled for Friday, March 28th, 2024, catering to many students who don’t have Friday classes. They willprovidebreakfastandlunchforthosewho attend and have a full day of speakers and panelsplanned.
Theeventisstructuredinmultipleparts,the first being Guardians of the Future, featuring youth in the climate movement. Next, the speakers will cover legal battles and media frontlines.
They will also have multiple environmental justicesectionsoftheday,focusingoncultural preservationandcommunityengagement.For the environmental justice portion, Indigenous leaderswillhelpfacilitatethediscussions.The eventspeakershavenotbeenfinalizedyet,but Amilia showed excitement and confidence in those who have already been selected and reachedoutto.Manyspeakerswillbewomen fromRutgersdepartments,suchastheDeanof Douglass, Meghan Rehbein, and Julie Lockwood, the Rutgers Climate and Energy InstituteDirector.
Throughouttheinterview,Amilliaexpressed her gratitude and excitement to participate in thismeaningfuleventandhopesthatRutgers undergraduate students will be compelled to spend the day engrossed in eco-feminism and socialjustice.Eventssuchasthisonecanhelp create networks of dedicated students who share similar interests in leading the way to a morejustandsustainableRutgerscommunity and beyond. Though more promotional contentandinformationaboutthisparticular eventisyettobelaunched,markyourcalendars andstaytunedforupdates!
ByAnnaMcHugh
Are you interested in a career in food systems but don’t know where to start? Well, don’t worry because I have interviewed Jeanine Cava, director of the NewJerseyFoodDemocracyCollaborative (NJFDC), a food policy council that focuses on “ (1) cultivating effective and impactful cross-sector collaboration between the many organizations, businesses, and government agencies in NJ’sfoodaccessandagriculturespace;(2) takingasystems-changeperspective;and(3) builds solidarity and collective agency ” , accordingtoCava.
Before her career in New Jersey food systems, Cava received her undergraduate andmaster’sdegreesfromCookCollegeat RutgersUniversityNewBrunswick,witha degree in Journalism and Media Studies andaminorinHumanEcologyandItalian.
Post undergrad, Cavadid AmeriCorps service, where she did community organizing, power-building, leadership development, and organizing in an environmentalfield.Fromthere,shemoved on to a watershed management conservation nonprofit organization that focused on restoring the Barnegat Bay watershed.
Shelearnedaboutcommunityengagement and development by organizing a crosssector government council, as well as academic and private sector leaders, to drive action in the watershed. During her time with AmeriCorps, Cava realized she wanted to return to school to obtain her Masters degree in Environmental Policy andSustainabilityManagementattheNew JerseyInstituteofTechnology. Itwasduringthistimethatsherealized how important the relocalization of food systemsis,whichinspiredhertomoveout to Northern California. There, she was abletodoinnovativefoodjusticeworkand becomeamemberofacountyfoodpolicy council. She also developed and taught a courseatCaliforniaStateUniversitycalled “The Next System Project.” Having learned so much from her work in California,Cavaeventuallymovedbackto NJ, where she felt she could help create change.
Shestartedafarmandfoodpolicycouncil in her home state, the New Jersey Food Democracy Collaborative. When asked what led her to her current position, she responded,“Myself.Ihadarealizationthat when no one else is doing something that you know needs to be done, you might needtobetheonetodoit”.
The New Jersey Food Democracy Collaborative (NJFDC) is “dedicated to promoting equitable access to locally and responsibly grown and raised food for all New Jersey residents. We work at the intersection of food justice, community engagement, and advocacy to empower communitiestoinfluencefoodsystemsand policies”, said Cava. The NJFDC has multipleworkgroupsthatfocusonavariety of issues in food systems, such as connecting food and nutrition assistance programs to the NJ agricultural community, urban small-scale and beginning farming policy needs, research and informational gaps, power-building, increasing capacity for agency in food systemchange,andlegislativework.
Having interned at the NJFDC, the opportunityhasprovidedmewithvarious skillsthataregreatbuildingblocksformy career. I have learned communication and outreach skills, data organization, time management, and how to be a team player.It’s also taught me how to learn quicklyandworkindependently.
Ontopofthat,Idiscoveredmypassionfor foodsystemsandfoodpolicy!Thereareso many ways to be impactful in our local foodsystems,andagreatplacetostartisthe NJFDC. There are always unique project internships available, typically 4-5 a semester.Ifyouareinterestedingrassroots organizing, social media work, or empoweringpeopletobechangemakersor organizersintheirowncommunity,,thisis an impactful organization to be a part of. JeanineCavahasbeenafantasticsupervisor andhasreallyhelpedmegrowinthisfield.
Getting Involved With Climate Action in New Jersey - an Interview with David Roberts by
Lauren Barnett
Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN) is an interdisciplinary team of climate activists across New Jersey that serves as a platform for uplifting GenerationZinclimateaction.WhenIwas first introduced to them, it was through their Climate Policy Workshop held at RutgersUniversitythisfall,anditinspired metogetinvolvedintheiradvocacywork. Since then, I have been welcomed to the team with open arms and was offered the opportunity to be a volunteer intern. In thisposition,Iamtaskedwithresearching bills proposed to the state legislature. The goal is to aid CRAN in determining whethertheyshouldadvocatefororagainst abillintheirpubliccommentsthatarethen presentedtothestatelegislature,cityhalls, town council meetings, and more. Given mypassionforimprovingtransportationto bemoreefficientandsustainable,theyhave assigned me bills proposed to the New Jersey Senate Transportation Committee. During my brief time with them, I've gained valuable insight into state politics and legislation while finding a supportive communityofmotivatedclimateactivists.
The team has been extremely flexible and understanding of my needs as a full-time student whilst also uplifting me in my climate action goals. Thanks to CRAN, I havetheincredibleopportunitytotestifyat theStateHouseinTrentontosupportthe ClimateSuperfundAct anexperienceI never imagined possible as an undergraduatestudent.
TounderstandhowCRANcametobe,I interviewed David Roberts, CRAN’s policy director and co-founder, who also supervises the interns. To my surprise, I learned the organization only came about very recently; in August 2024, they celebrated the one-year anniversary of CRAN’s inception. In 2023, the organizationwascreatedbylifelongfriends BenjaminDziobekandDavidRoberts.
As recent college graduates passionate about the intersection of politics and environmentalism, they recognized how intimidatingitcanbeforyoungpeopleto engagewiththemovement.
CRANwastofillthegapbetweenyoung people and large environmental organizations, as well as environmental decisionsbeingmadeinthegovernment.It wasn’t until January 2024 that the organizationwasupandrunning,yetthey have accomplished a lot since then. In particular, co-founder and executive director Benjamin Dziobek testified on Senate Bill 198, which “Prohibits investmentbyStateofpensionandannuity fundsinandrequiresdivestmentfrom,200 largest publicly traded fossil fuel companies”(NJLeg,2024).Togetherwith theNJEducatorsAssociation,CRANhas gotten 4 thousand letters to support the bill, and its being amended. Dziobek got theattentionofSenatorBobSmith(D-NJ 17th district), the chair of the Senate EnvironmentandEnergyCommitteeanda primary sponsor of S198, which started a dialogue that opened the door to amendments to the bill. He asked, “Why suchanarbitrarynumberof200fossilfuel companies, why not all?” to which Smith agreed. This shows that, while it is intimidating, getting your voice heard by your representatives can have meaningful impacts.
Inourinterview,Robertsprovidedsome advice for aspiring young activists: gettinginvolvedinanycapacityiskey.
Climate Action Now!
Don't be intimidated by the idea of expertise; anyone at any level can be involved. At CRAN, you don’t need an advancedenvironmentalorpoliticalscience degreetomakemeaningfulchangesinthe environmentalmovement,andthedooris open to anyone willing to learn. For instance, high school students have been abletogetinvolvedwiththeorganization; one in particular worked on water advocacy, and as a result of their connectionswithCRAN,theygotcertified by The Watershed Institute in Hopewell, NJ. Evidently, you can be of any age or experience to be involved, and there is no needtobedeterredbyalackofknowledge or work experience. Getting involved doesn’t have to take over your life — it’s about doing what feels manageable and meaningful. Start small: lend a hand at a beachcleanuporconnectwithlike-minded people by joining a local environmental club or committee. No matter how small, every step you take contributes to a more significantimpact.Asyouembarkonyour journey into environmental activism, CRAN will be by your side, ready to supportandguideyouthroughtheprocess.
Interview
with Paul Clark, a Potomac-Hudson Environmental, Inc. Employee
By William Clark
What is the mission of environmental consulting companies? What are the obstacles they face? To answer these questions, I interviewed Paul Clark, my father, who is a senior employee at Potomac-Hudson Environmental, Inc (PHEnv). PHEnv is an environmental consulting company with expertise in environmental assessment, compliance documentation,andsoilandgroundwater remediation. The following are questions and answers regarding PHEnv and my father’sexperiences.
WhatisyourroleatPHEnv?
MytitleisSeniorProjectEngineer.Inthat role,Iaminvolvedinmultipleprojectsin varying capacities. On some projects, I might be involved in managing Site activities.Onsomeotherprojects,Imight beinvolvedinapplyingforstateandlocal environmentalpermits.Iamalsoinvolved in designing and operating soil and groundwaterremediationsystems.
I use my experience and expertise to move projects forward, solving any problems or issuesthatmayarise.
What is PHEnv’s mission? How does it work toward it? Do they work under a sustainabilityframework? Our company mission is to provide environmental services to our clients in a mannerthatiscost-effectiveandcompliant with all applicable state and federal regulations.Theprimarywaytoaccomplish thisistohaveasolidunderstandingofthe issues confronting each project and the experience and expertise to guide the projectsfromstarttosuccessfulcompletion. We do not have a formal sustainability framework or plan. We endeavor to complete each project as efficiently as possible.
With your experience in remediation, what insights do you have on the environmental problems affecting New Jerseythemost?
Our company generally deals with older Sites being redeveloped for mixed residential and commercial use. Typically, soil and groundwater are contaminated with hydrocarbons and other industrial chemicals. In much of the area we cover, HudsonCounty,inparticular,historicfill isanissue.Anotherissuethathascomeup lately in New Jersey and has been a hotbutton topic is the presence of emerging contaminants such as PFAS in groundwater at sites across the state. Sometimes, a Site can be closed or near closed,buttheclient/ownerisdirectedto address the potential for PFAS in groundwater. There can be a bit of a disconnectbetweentheDEP(NewJersey DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection) and the client/property owner on this issue. In many cases, the client/current owner had nothing to do with releasing PFAS onto the Site, and forcing them to deal with a problem not of their own makingisonerous.
What obstacles have you encountered working with private companies in site remediation?
In dealing with our clients, they are generally knowledgeable about any issues that may arise. Some clients are not as knowledgeable, and dealing with those typesofclientscanbedifficultiftheydon’t understand why they need to spend the money on specific issues. Dealing with generalcontractorsandsubcontractorscan alsobeachallengeattimes.Theygenerally trytocutcornerstosavecosts,,whichcan sometimescreateotherissuesthatcostmore moneyorissuesinthelongrun.
What difficulties have you had working with government agencies, like the NJDEP or Environmental Protection Agency? Are there any interests shared betweentheprivateandpublicsectors? Inmyexperiencedealingwithpeopleatthe DEP,theyareveryknowledgeablebutcan beoverworkedsometimes.Ithasbeenmany years since I have dealt with the EPA, but my experience with them is that they are very strict about how work needs to be done.
Though there is some overlap between clientandgovernmentinterests,sometimes disagreements can require mediation or even legal action. Oftentimes, this occurs when the local government may have an issue with some aspect of the project. On other occasions, it can violate environmental regulations and must be worked out between the client and/or responsiblepartyfortheremediationbeing conductedandstateorfederalentities.
Howwouldyouliketoseetheobstacles youmentionedearlieraddressed?
The issues I have elaborated on above are issues I believe apply to many fields. Communicationisthebiggestissueinmost cases. Poor communication can affect the project on many levels. Time in many endeavorsismoney,andaconciseflowof information from the consultant to the client, the contractor, and the regulatory agency is important to keep the project moving. Keeping the client informed of progressandanychangestotheworkplan isessentialbecausethismayaffectcostand project schedule. Dealing with regulatory agencies can take time as well. They have limitedresourcesandcan'talwaysrespond toemergencysituations.
However,bydevelopinggoodrelationships withregulatorypersonnel,itispossibleto develop a good working relationship that canhelppushthingsforward.
Do you have any advice for younger people who want to start working in yourfield?
I would say that the biggest thing in startingoutacareerisevenifyouhavean idea about what you want to do in your career, don’t be closed-minded with opportunities that present themselves because it may lead to a more rewarding professional life. So, consider all options fromdifferentangles,anddon’tbeafraidto takealittleriskwhenyouarestillyoung.
The Ripple Center is a non-profit organizationthatfosters“ aneweducational ecosystem, where changemakers can flow togethertoexploreandimplementchange beneficial to both people and the planet throughsocialentrepreneurship,”asstated on their website. This organization has a fellowship program that welcomes several aspiring young adults and provides them with the tools and guidance to make their ideasofsustainableinitiativesgrow.Itwas founded in 2021 by Mike Chodroff –a Rutgers alumnus– whose story is a testament to his dedication to sustainability,whichcausedarippleeffect.
Mike began his career at Rutgers University, double majoring in broadcast journalismandcommunications,hopingto work in the television industry moving forward. However, he eventually became conflicted with this idea because of the prevalence of sexism and racism in this industry, which was one of the first significant forces that started to steer him awayfromthatpath.Thisdecisionwasalso importantinshowcasinghowmuchhewas unwilling to compromise his values to furtherhiscareer.
by Natalia Robles Carré
This same internal conflict arose while he was working as a financial planner and pondering on the ethics of having people invest money in things that were not beneficialtothenaturalworld.
Inourinterview,Mikestated,“Thewhole environmentalthemehasbeenapartofhis [my]soul.”Hehasalwaysharboredvalues ofstewardship,treatingotherswithequity and dignity, and taking care of nature, which he learned from his family. The documentary“TheStoryofStuff”wasalso a major driving force that made him “reevaluate business as usual,” not necessarily by burning capitalism to the groundbutbycreatingchangewithinour systems.
Mike also has experience as an educator where he strived to incorporate environmentalism as a key aspect of his relationshipwithstudentsandtohelpthem develop a deep care for the environment. He promoted recycling and reduced consumption in schools by educating peopleandencouragingbehavioralchanges withcontestsandrewards.Mikehasalways believed in education and educators and thinks they are the most significant assets formakingchange.
After his experience as an educator, he questioned whether a program that addresses the intersection of education, environment,andentrepreneurshipexisted. Mike has carried his values and cherished his learning curves by recording several of his ideas in a notebook that dates back to 2012, but these ideas still needed to take shape. Doing this was a huge challenge becauseitmeantleavingalotbehind,such ashiscareer.Thisimpliedpushingasidehis salary and benefits and depending on the investment of people who believed in this initiative.
In2021,Mikelaunchedthefirstcohortof The Ripple Center Fellowship and harnessed the trust of the first fellows to embarkwithhimonhismission.Oneofthe main goals is to produce the biggest networkofimpactindividuals.Threeyears later, he states that the most significant impact of his initiative is community building and how many people –whether they were fellows, mentors, facilitators, or boardmembers–havecomeoutofitmore inspired. This is a major score because, as Mike states, existing within capitalism implies heavy competition. However, he has found that “in a space where values suchaspeopleandplanetareinfusedtoit, thereiseverybitasmuchcooperationanda desiretohelpothers.”Itmakeshimproud ofhisworktoknowthatagroupofpeople areincentivizedbyabidingbythesevalues while still putting out services and products.
Mikehighlightsthathedoesthisworktobe proudofhimselfinthesenseofnotlosing his values in the pursuit of personal gain butinsteadtobemindfulofhisimpact.He loves what he does because it makes him much more proud to share his knowledge about change-making with others rather than only keeping that for himself. He states that he does this in a framework wherepeople,theplanet,andprofitcoexist because“Ilovepeopleandtheplanet,andI wanttodomybesttoprotectthem.”After learning about this organization and the dedication and passion put into it by its founder, I hope EPIB students and all Rutgersstudentsatlargewhoareinterested in making an impact are encouraged to apply for the next Ripple Center Fellowshipcohortof2025-2026.
InterviewsonSustainableFarmingwith CattailHollowFarmandKalloFarms
By: Annika Noel
Interviews with these two farms, Cattail Hollow Farms and Kallo Farms shed light on the path, learning, and benefits of sustainable,small-scalefarming.Bothfarms regularly have stands at a local farmers marketinSussexCounty,NJ,whichishow I heard about them. Kallo Farms is also located right up the street from me, and I havedonesomeworkforthem,trulyseeing andexperiencingsomeoftheirfarminglife.
MegfromCattailHollowFarmsandTom and Danielle from Kallo Farms are friends and have been with each other at the farmers' market for years. By interviewing them, I hope to shine some light on the ecologicalandcommunitybenefitsoflocal farming.
Farm History, Background, and Career Path
Whatledyoutoyourfarm?
Cattail Hollow Farm: Meg worked in an officejobforyearsbutwasunsurewhatshe wanted to do. Then, she started volunteeringatanurbanfarmonceaweek in 2014. Once introduced to farming, she realized, “Wow, this feels right.” Meg has beenofficiallyfarmingsince2015,learning through hands-on experience at several farmsinthetri-statearea.
In2022,sheandherhusbandstartedtheir own farm. When Meg found her love for the process it was a very organic process fromthebeginning.
Kallo Farms: Their connection with local farmersinspiredthemtopurchasethefarm afterspendingsixyearsatthelocalfarmers market selling Greek food for their other business called The Greek Kitchen. After deeply appreciating the farming lifestyle and what it gave back to the community, theydecidedtostartfarming.Theyinitially bought70chickensandbecameeggfarmers after getting a lot of helpful advice from otherfarmerfriends.Theirstartingupwas averynaturalandspontaneousprocess.
Whatisyoureducationalbackground?
CattailHollow:Shegraduatedin2007and hadofficejobsforaboutadecadeuntilshe foundherpassionforfarming.
Byworkingonotherfarms,shelearnedthe ropesfrompeopleandcouldtakewhatwas essential and implement it independently. Shelearnedseveralstylesanddifferentkinds offarming,fromgrowingvariouscropsto raisingallkindsoflivestock.
Kallo Farms: Both owners (a dynamic husband-and-wife duo) attended Rutgers New Brunswick! One has bachelor's and master'sdegreesinmechanicalengineering, works a full-time day job, and helps with thefarmwhenhecan.Theotherhalfofthis family farm has a degree in sociology and psychology; she works full time with the farmandseesitasagreatwaytobothfarm andspendmoretimewiththeirkids.
Previousfarmingexperience?
CattailHollow:Whilegainingexperience, she did a livestock apprenticeship at a Rockafeller property in Tarrytown, Stone Barns,whichhadalotofdifferentanimals. Additionally,shemanagedanotherfarmin NJ for 4 years, gaining a vast amount of farm expertise. Through these jobs, she acquired skills in rotational grazing, big livestock animals like cows, sheep, and goats, and natural farming practices. The farmingcyclecanbeveryregenerative:cows eat the top layer of growth, sheep eat grasses, goats eat brush, and finally, chickenscomethroughafteralloftheother animalstoeatbugs,whichcreatesarich
farming, she decided that was what she wantedtoimplementintoherfarm.
KalloFarms:Bothgrewupinurbanareas without direct farming experience. They learned through trial and error, online resources, books, and seeking advice from other farmers. The Farmer’s Market in town became their primary source of farming advice. Tom had some brief childhood experiences on a family dairy farm but had not considered having their ownuntilthefarmer'smarket.
Challengesfaced?
Cattail Hollow: As a farmer and small businessownertherearenodaysoffandno sickdays.Astheowner,everythingfallson you: "Farmers have to have a million different skills, a lot of hats,” says Meg. Startingout,shequicklylearnedalotofthe stuff she didn't know and learned the important lesson of not being afraid to reachouttopeopletoaskforhelp.Farming isahumblingexperience,soitiscrucialto haveanetwork“ofpeopletofallbackon, toshowyouwheretogo.”Itissafetosay that farming is very difficult and not for those unwilling to put the work in. Meg’s messageistoughbutfulfilling:“Ilovewhat Ido.”
Kallo Farms: Navigating administrative processes, filling out paperwork, and getting the farm assessed for tax benefits were challenging. They also had to add animals (like goats) to meet the farm assessment requirements. While the administrative steps caused the biggest problem, they got advice from others and got it done successfully to be a legitimate farm!
FarmValuesandPractices
Whatmakesyourfarmspecial?
Cattail Hollow: They offer homesteading classes and workshops, which take being part of the community a step further and engage and educate others. Most people don’t understand where their food comes from or how farming really works, so she believessheisdoingherpartbyhelpingto bridgethatconnectionbetweenbuyersand food.Shealsohelpsotherlocalbusinesses, particularly women-owned businesses like hers.
KalloFarms:Theirchildrengrowupwith unique experiences, like learning selfreliance and responsibility. Farming is humbling, a daily balance of life, death, excitement,happiness,andhardworkthat theygothroughasafamily.
Healthierandconscientiousfarming?
CattailHollow:Herproductsareallfresh and local and can be eaten within the day they were picked. It's the healthiest, ecofriendlyfoodalocalcouldget.Itisessential to her that it is healthy, especially because she is a cancer survivor. Healthier, fresher foodleadstohealthierlives.
Kallo Farms: They chose not to use pesticides,touselocallymilledfeedforthe animals, and to reduce and reuse where possible. Not spraying pesticides is especiallyimportantbecauseitdoesn'tleach into the soil and groundwater. A unique practicetheyuseisreceivingandreusingegg cartoonsforcustomers,whichhelpsfarms and buyers reduce waste in their homes. They aim to support other local farmers and reduce waste in their practices; they “trytosupportotherfarmersjustlikethey supportus.”
Environmentalapproach?
Cattail Hollow: Meg does a lot to be an ecological boon and follows rotational grazing, with movable fences for chickens and free-range ducks. She is also a RiverFriendly Certified farm, meaning she protects the land, specifically the soil and water health, by not causing runoff or harming waterways. The farm avoids synthetic sprays and instead relies on natural methods, aiming to work with nature rather than fight against it. They plan to introduce honey bees and other animals and continue focusing on ecofriendlyfarmingbynotjusttakingfromthe landbutalsogivingback.Anotherwayshe isstewardingtheenvironmentisbytaking out invasive plant species and cultivating native plants and habitats. Many don’t acknowledge or think about native plants when farming, but Cattail Hollow Farm tookdirectactiontoimprovetheirland.
KalloFarms:“It'soneandthesamething; the farm is the environment.” The farm operatesinharmonywithnature,andithas a very cyclical relationship between the animals and the land. For example, the animalsfertilizetheland,thelandregrows the grass, and the animals eat again. They avoid unnecessary interventions and strive forabalancedecosystembecauseahealthy environment, soil, and crops are essential for their farm. With fewer interventions, naturecantakeitscourse,leadingtobetter results.
Otherinfluences?
CattailHollow:Whenshe'satthefarmers market,sheisoneofthreeproducefarmers, so she has to focus on what makes her uniqueandspecial.Sheonlysellswhatshe grows,isriver-friendlycertified,andcarries unique produce like husk cherries or cucamelons. She has to stand out in the (metaphorical) field a little more to get noticed,butitisworthit.
Kallo Farms: Kallopoulos, Kallo means Good in Greek, so the name is essentially the Good Farm. Tom grew up visiting family in Greece, where he would see his family'sfarmwithgoatsandcowsandhelp milk the cows. This is where his love for farming originated, so the farm now is nostalgic and inspirational. Greek heritage shapesthefarm’sapproach,especiallywith food production for their Greek kitchen. They also offer delivery services to reduce carbon footprints by lessening the food milesthefoodtravels.
BusinessandCommunityImpact
Howdoesbeinglocalhelp?
Cattail Hollow: She uses local milling to get locally made chicken feed, which is super fresh and has traveled fewer food miles.Thisisanothereducationalpointfor people, so they learn how to feed the chickens.
Additionally,forvalidreasons,theirfarmis notcertifiedorganic,whichshe’sopenand communicative about. This helps educate the public about why having an organic label might not be as meaningful or ecofriendly as a local farmer. Overall, she is more integrated with the community, so thereisabetterunderstandingofwherethe foodcomesfrom,andittravelsfewermiles togettoplates!
Kallo Farms: Being part of the local community makes a huge difference and allowsthemtoconnectwithneighborsand educate others. They’re “Sparta Famous,” which helps them teach others about farming,sustainability,andtheirstorywhile participating in the community. Through theirprogram“RentaChick,”theyeducate andexcitefamiliesaboutfarmingbyletting them raise some baby chicks themselveswithoutthecommitmentofawholefarm.
Whyareyoupassionateaboutfarming?
CattailHollow:“Everythingwedohereis protection for the future.” She strives to make her farm a part of the environment, not work against it. She believes in connectingpeopletotheirfoodandmaking the best, healthiest food possible on her farm,andsheiswillingtoworktogetthere. For Meg, everything about her farm is a conversation;shewantstotellpeoplewhy sheisdoingwhatsheisdoing.
KalloFarms:“It'safeelingthatyouget[…] it's my happy place, it's a place of pride.” The experiences that you can’t get anywhere else and are unique to farming andtheresultsofsomuchhardworkand dedication are extremely rewarding mentally, physically, and for your community. It makes you part of somethingbigger.
Adviceforothersinterestedinfarming?
Cattail Hollow: Meg encourages aspiring farmers to volunteer or apprentice first to learn the realities of farming, just like she did.Shealsosuggestsexploringeducational programs related to farming and agriculture,justlikesomecollegesprovide!
Kallo Farms: “Biggest tip is if you're interestedinit,talktoafarmerandtryit.” They suggest that aspiring farmers talk to othersinthefield,andthey’llbehappyto answerquestionsandbehonestabouttheir experiences.Theyalsorecommendreading and researching to understand the challengesoffarming.
CattailHollowFarmsandKalloFarmsare the perfect examples of small, local, ecologically friendly agriculture. They are essentialmembersoftheircommunityand the local environment, and by educating others about the value they provide, they can encourage better practices. Not only can they influence other farmers to work better for the environment, but they can also help people understand where their foodcomesfromandhelpthemmaketheir dollars count. Most importantly, they live by example and are always open to discussingtheirfarmsandpractices!
Resourcesforlearning? Cattail Hollow: https://www.cattailhollowfarm.com/, Email:info@cattailhollowfarm.com
Kallo Farms: https://kallofarms.com/, Email:kallofarms@gmail.com
NOFA-https://nofanj.org/ Foodshed Alliancehttps://foodshedalliance.org/ NJ Audubon Societyhttps://njaudubon.org/
NRCS-https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ New Jersey Farm Bureauhttps://njfb.org/
The
Disparities in Understanding Agriculture and Farmer’s Needs
By: Evan DeAngelis
I had the insightful opportunity to interview Gabriel Siciliano, founder and ownerofAbe’sAcresFarminHighstown, NJ, and Karyn Moskowitz of Interfaith Neighbors, a prominent food policy council advocate. Both interviews were of greatvalue,buthere,wewillbefocusedon theinterviewwithSiciliano.Theresponses are primarily in the form of intervieweeapproved paraphrasing, with some quotes remaining. At times, Siciliano’s responses will be compared with Moskowitz’s to illustrate gaps in communication, lack of understanding,andtheexistingdifferences in belief and approach. The goal is to explorethenatureoftheexistinggapsand disparities and look deeper into how farmers feel they are not considered or compensated.
I began by asking Siciliano what he felt werethebiggestthreatstoandproblemsfor his industry and what he felt were the biggest threats to New Jersey’s small farmers. He answered, “I am mainly worried about climate change and the erosion, the loss of topsoil.” Generally, he feels that climate change necessitates adaptation and is a high priority. Siciliano was also concerned about making mixed annual veg farming profitable/ finding a marketatall.
He mentioned that supplies are getting increasingly expensive, and some farmers cannot adapt to the high cost of postpandemicequipment.
Additionally,therearefearsregardingthe ongoingbuy-upoffarmlandatapremium for housing, pricing out farmers. He observedthatlandaccessfornewfarmersis also a significant issue and an obstacle to growth. Siciliano is also concerned about New Jersey’s unpredictable rain and drought patterns, which worsen yearly. This issue was also mentioned in my conversation with Moskowitz, who discussed the drought leading into this year ’ s harvest. It echoed in my mind as Scisciliano remarked, “It’s not possible to grow drought-resistant crops and floodtolerantcropsallatonce. ”
I then asked Siciliano to tell me the best waystocompensatefarmerslikehimselffor participating in and working within hyperlocalfoodsystems.Heansweredthat participatingintheLocalFoodPurchasing Assistance Program “LFSPA NJ,” which consists of purchasing food from disadvantaged farmers, was his preference. This system works through the NJ CommunityFoodBank;theprogrampays peoplelikeSicilianoforCSAshares,takesin theprovidedproduce,anddistributesitto thoseinneed.
Sicilianostates,“Thishasbeenareallygreat thingformybottomline;itisagreatwayto have a dependable income stream, and it’s been a great boon to my business.” He explained that the program has made a career possible for first-year farmers he knows, stating that there is demand, great available land, and great growers, so infrastructurelikethisprogramiscrucialto lining everything up. The interviewer thinks this program needs to be expanded and funded further to subsidize young growersindireneedofguaranteedincome. If he were starting out over again, he says this program would have been the perfect impetustostartoutinfarming,andafirstyear farmer he knows saw this program serveasaprimarysourceofincome.
Incontrast,Moskowitzwasinsistentthat outside of monetary compensation, the chiefest compensation that exists or is needed was the community connections between a farmer and their customers, which, in a system of indirect distribution like the one endorsed by Siciliano, would notbeverycommon.Thiskindofdisparity in ideas of preferred compensation shows the gaps between the two groups ' understanding of what these interviewees representandthegoalorgoals.
The depth of Sisciliano’s convictions is reinforced by his answers to the questions following his interview. For example, Siciliano was asked how he believed the state could best help continue its farming legacy by bringing young people into agriculture. Siciliano answered: "The biggestthingIwouldsayislandaccess…It isveryhardwhenyouarestartingout.”He asserted that a program to connect land owners trying to sell to young farmers wouldbeperfect,aswellassimplerthings such as continuing current initiatives like Rutgers’ Young Farmers Program to educateanddirectcuriousindividualswith thedesiretocontinuetotheGardenState Legacy.
Theintervieweewasalsoaskedtodescribe what barriers he felt existed to firstgenerationfarming,engaginginagriculture more broadly, and how Siciliano believes thesituationcouldimprove.Heanswered, “The biggest one is land access, of course, andloansaswell,nottomentionaccessto goodfarmingeducation…Ifyoudon’thave anywhere to sell your produce- you don’t have anywhere to sell your produce.” His answer was consistent with the picture I saw taking shape, with clear points of alignmentandcontentionwithpeoplelike
The TRAIL
Unfortunately,alackofunderstanding goes both ways. This became clear when Siciliano was asked for his thoughts on Food Policy Councils. He stated, “I think they work for the state; I am not working with any at the moment.” This answer made it clear that Siciliano was unaware thatNewJerseydoesn’thaveanyCouncils onthelocallevel,andinpart,theinterview wastoestablishwhethertherewasspacefor oneinhisarea.Sicilianobelievesorganizing is exemplary and should be “judged by effective material conditions” and doesn’t believe that it should be “just another organization spinning its wheels.” Moscowitzvehementlyopposesthis,having runmanyFoodPolicyCouncilsovertime, stating that Grassroots power sits at the heart of finding solutions once we get beyondassetmapping.“It’simportantthat it’sdrivenbythecommunity,”shesays.
Similarly,SicilianowasaskedwhataFood Policy Council could do for himself and fellowfarmers,theStateofNewJersey,and its people. He believes that a Food Policy Council should bring together people in politics with the input of farmers, distributors, and stakeholders to make direct and informed decisions. Siciliano explained that he wants to see officials interactingandbeinginformeddirectlyby the people involved. However, in her interview,Moscowitzexplainedthatafood policy council does not do this. A food policycouncilisacommunityorganization madeofsmallstakeholders;
theyfocusonpayingforandmovingfood efficiently and facilitating changes to improve the situation for feeding a community while assisting farmers. This kindofapparentmiscommunicationabout efforts,purposes,andgoalsshowshowbig of a gap there is in understanding and expressingcommongoals.
To conclude, the scholarship and the backboneoffoodproductionareseparated. The chances for the future of localized sustainable agriculture remain slim as long asthisgapremains.Theconsiderableyouth movement for small food systems is disadvantaged in the current climate, so bridging the gap is imperative for future success.
DiggingIn:FoodWasteMeetsSustainability
“Editorial:Reducingdininghallfoodwasteischallenging,butnotunrealistic.”TheDailyTargum,21Sep. 2021,
dailytargum.com/article/2021/09/editorial-reducing-dining-hall-food-waste-is-challenging-but-not-unrealistic. Accessed23Nov.2024
RutgersIWLPreparesforSpring2025Symposium:
“EarlyHistoryofWomen’sEducationatRutgersUniversity.”InstituteforWomen’sLeadership,11Jan.2024, iwl.rutgers.edu/legacy/.Accessed24Nov.2024.
“LaurieChairSymposium:ActivismforReproductiveandHealthJustice.”Eventbrite,2023, www.eventbrite.com/e/laurie-chair-symposium-activism-for-reproductive-and-health-justice-tickets557053240237.Accessed24Nov.2024.