January 14, 2024 -
April 5, 2024
ZHZW Youth Community Project (10 hours)
sponsored by Kroger Zero Hunger Zero Waste
Local Service, Global Impact
SKILLS DEVELOPED
Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical thinking, Initiative, Leadership
SUMMARY
Reflection
There are many reflections I have on this experience. But the biggest reflection I have is that it is important to put the customer (those in need and the non-profit) at the center of the activity. By understanding their needs you can choose the project that will have the greatest impact.
Project Impact
To date, the compost program has recycled over 1,000 pounds of produce and 100 pounds of shredded cardboard.
PROJECTS TASKS
Idea - Proposal Submission
1.00 hour leading a program | Compassion
Although I initially considered developing and launching a Tiny Pantry Program, I switched to a Compost Program after talking to the President of the Bountiful Harvest Pantry. The community previously developed and deployed a Tiny Lending Library Program that struggled to secure community participation.
PROPOSAL:
Harvest Compost Program
NON-PROFIT PARTNER:
Bountiful Harvest Pantry, Brighton, Michigan
DESCRIPTION:
Launch a compost program at the Bountiful Harvest Pantry in Brighton, Michigan. To be successful, a durable multi-bin compost unit will need to be designed and built to support the program.
Educational assets will need to be identified and deployed to educate volunteers on the basics of the program.
Planning & Partnering for Success
8.00 hours leading a program | Compassion
During this phase of the project, I worked to develop several compost bin plans. In total 2 ideas were generated for 2-bin and 3-bin structures with removable fronts. I also created a Bill of Materials and developed a cost estimate for each. Once this was completed, I reviewed the options with the Bountiful Harvest Pantry President. Together we decided on the compost design and determined where it would be placed on the property.
I used the open-sourced compost bin design released by Food Share as the foundation for my bin and program design. Since we selected a 2-bin variation, much application engineering was needed to meet the needs of the Harvest Compost Program for the Bountiful Harvest Pantry.
Preparation, Promotion & Project Execution
23.00 hours leading a program | Connectedness
During the month of March, I prepared and promoted the execution phase of the Harvest Compost Program. Completion of the Harvest Compost bin concluded on March 31. A special thank you to Madison Bowman, Conor Day, and my father for helping with the design and construction. This project is made possible through a Zero Waste Micro Grant awarded by Kroger Corporation.
Celebrate Impact & Reflection
8.00 hours leading a program | Compassion
During the first day of use, the lid of the compost was damaged by a volunteer. Although the compost was still usable, I felt it was best to reconsider the structural design of the unit to improve the overall strength of the lid. Below is the kaizen activity I undertook.
Moving forward, I will serve as the Subject Matter Expert on the Compost Program.
Equality
Hunger & Homelessness
Rights/Peace
