The Oberlin College Sustainability Project

Our mission this summer will be to increase the number of on-the-ground developments in local sustainable development projects. Especially focusing in providing a precedent for agriculture around the city of Oberlin via local food, our focus will be small-scale food production in the land around the "Green Belt" of Oberlin's food- and watershed. Through setting an early example, we hope to "sow the seeds" for more substantial institutional investments in the green belt development project for a model sustainable/post-carbon economy in America. Sparkseed is only a small part, and will play a supportive role in the development of the Oberlin area. With more money in the long term, we could finance an organic education center for all ages, the Oberlin Commons. We hope for your support in this start-up project.

Specifically, we address the supply-side growth of new production methods in the geographic region around Oberlin, Ohio. City Fresh, Common Goods Ohio, and Local farmer's markets will all be buyers for the increased supply for local food, and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy will support further development and acquisitions of protected land for similar projects in the area. All in all, food is our mission: fresh, healthy, local, sustainable food and you can be a part. :)

The five keystones of Green Belt development, phase 1:
1. Low-inpact Carbon Farming: Keyline plow and land at West Lorain St. $350k land, 7k communal plow with 5-year ROI.
2. Biochar and Composting: from Kendal and Connie Grube. $600 including labor, 6-month ROI.
3. Hoophouses for Winter Production: Hickory Acres Farm, Hamilton St.; US Social Forum Detroit. 1 season ROI.
4. Community Gardening: at Legion Field on South Professor, 344 W. College, Backyards, Containers, and Boxes. ROI in healthy families and local culture change. Isn't it a good idea?
5. Common Goods Ohio (http://commongoodsohio.com/) to buy all produce at 375 S. Main. Wholesale establishment.

We add value to these projects by making production information available, providing low-cost seeds and support, and advising services for the various phases of project development. We want to inform our members that agriculture in the recession is a better food and job security solution right now, not only feasible but a smart choice for all ages.

Consider ag?
http://eddiemill.typepad.com/
http://nesfp.org/ in MA
http://bit.ly/bVux6e in CR

Please leave feedback or support! Follow? Or at http://eddiemill.typepad.com/ ------------>

Thanks to YouNoodle.com, Typepad, and the great people of Oberlin for everything so far!

• Ian Fisk wrote (1 year ago):

  Information of interest to people who are or know Sustainable Entrepreneurs : The William James Foundation Socially Responsible Business Plan Competition offers in-kind and cash prizes worth more than $100,000 for sustainable entrepreneurs. Entrants can be of any age or from anywhere in the world. First round deadlines are Sept 10th and Dec. 4th. Details at: www.williamjamesfoundation.org.

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• Edward Miller wrote (1 year ago):

  Heya! Sorta doing a lot of what I set out to, even without the grant money from "Sparkseed" this spring. At this rate, set to establish three more gardens and purchase land soon. (ask for help at:) eddiemill@gmail.com and be sure to follow ---->

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• Edward Miller wrote (1 year ago):

  I am so fed up with my writer, foundations, big ag, and the Sparkseed popularity competition. Need funding for local growth. With the added benefits of implementation, I hope to start a fund to start the green belt in Oberlin and the organic revolution in Costa Rica.

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• Edward Miller wrote (1 year ago):

  Business plan is due this Wednesday, working with some good community feedback but the meeting notes will be an addendum!

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• Edward Miller wrote (2 years ago):

  Please follow! I need a money from Sparkseed to plant plants around Oberlin this year.
  When you're going through, copy this link: http://younoodle.com/startups/oberlin_college_sustainabil...

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