by David DeMullé
Community Gardens before revitalization
Volunteers in action making the gardens usable.
Recology Los Angeles, a California-based resource recovery company, hosted a “Waste Zero” Volunteer Day at Howard Finn Park Community Garden in Tujunga last Saturday. The project, which had been proposed by Recology members to CD-7 Councilman Felipe Fuentes last January, became a reality when community volunteers were joined by Councilmember Felipe Fuentes and Recology President and CEO Michael J. Sangiacomo to rededicate the Tujunga community garden using recycled materials.
Working together, volunteers pitched in to repair the garden boxes as well as plant drought-resistant plants, spread nutrient-rich compost and mulch, and to participate in the painting of a wall mural that promotes recycling and self-sustainability.
This revitalization project reflects Recology’s commitment to promoting sustainability in Sunland–Tujunga and throughout the communities it serves.
“Recology commits itself to the health of our communities, not only through sustainable practices in our day-to-day operations, but through the revitalization of our neighborhoods with innovative initiatives like today’s park beautification,” said Sangiacomo. “We’re thankful to be joined by so many dedicated Recology employees and community members who were willing to come out on a beautiful Saturday morning and work with us to promote sustainability and reduce waste.”
Councilman Fuentes, who represents the CD7 district and has been a long-time advocate of promoting sustainability, summed it up when he said, “Thank you, Recology Los Angeles, for choosing the Howard Finn Community Garden as your inaugural community volunteer project.
“Community gardens teach folks of all ages that living healthier, happier lives is not out of reach; they can grow their own food, harvest it and cook it for their families. This garden adds to our mission of engaging and revitalizing our communities. Because of the partnerships we have created and nurtured, we have been able to focus on solutions to enhance our neighborhoods and make Sunland-Tujunga a more resilient place to live.”
Recology Los Angeles’ Web site is www.RecologyLosAngeles.com/