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Will Allen - $750 Award

CO-DIRECTOR, GROWING POWER

Will Allen, a Milwaukee Farmer, teaches kids, teachers, business owners and community members about the natural cycles that return food waste to the soil. Participants learn about food production and gain understanding of food systems, so informed food choices can be made to reduce waste and pollution. Growing Power uses outdoor compost piles and greenhouse vermicomposting (composting with worms) to transform grocery store produce trimmings and coffee grounds from a coffee business into high quality products that enrich the soil. In the last 15 months, Growing Power has kept 66,000 pounds of food waste out of landfills. Each step in the process is tied to educational experiences for students and community members

RHONDA CRUZ - $250 Award

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT - WALKER INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL

Rhonda Cruz involves students in recycling and waste reduction. At the same time, she assists students in preparing for the work place. Student recyclers work in teams to perform job duties and receive "on-the-job" training. Under the guidance of Rhonda Cruz, the students ensure that recycling is carried out to its full potential at Walker Middle School. The group takes the effort beyond the school and into the community during neighborhood litter clean-ups and has participated in educating the rest of the Walker students about the process, reasons and benefits of recycling.
In the words of a Walker Recycler, Ms Cruz is "my role model, my inspiration and also a great friend."