Clarkson’s Institute for a Sustainable Environment (ISE) has been granted nearly $20,000 for a project titled, “Potsdam Community Food Waste: Education, Engagement, and Planning,” from the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I). The goal of this project is to increase community awareness and stakeholder engagement necessary to develop a suitable plan for a community-scale food waste management program in the town of Potsdam.
The project will educate and engage food waste generators ranging from the general public to large institutions; the municipal government; and area farmers and potential other participants who may be interested in organics recycling business opportunities such as composting or anaerobic digestion. The goal is to see a significant increase in individuals and businesses who are committed to supporting the implementation and use of a community-scale food waste management system and preliminary design of a system that could include both recovery and recycling components.
The village and town of Potsdam Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Task Force initiated this project, however Clarkson University lead the projects coordination. Clarkson University is committed to providing support through student and faculty involvement, marketing, and project management. CSC Task Force members and students and faculty from SUNY Potsdam and the Potsdam Central School will also contribute to the work. The core team includes Susan Powers (Clarkson), Jan DeWaters (Clarkson), Ray Bowdish (SUNY Potsdam), Rebecca Munn (Potsdam Central School), and Alex French (Clarkson).