DEDHAM, MA and CENTRAL FALLS, RI and ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwired - Apr 19, 2016) - Irving A. Backman, philanthropist and entrepreneur for the advancement of earth-friendly technologies has partnered with Acopia Harvest and The National Institute for Environmental Sustainability and Training (NIEST) to begin preparations for the four-year countdown to Earth Day's 50th anniversary in 2020.
The partners believe that every human being has a right to fresh air, fresh water and fresh food. To this end, more than 200 trees and five Acopia Harvest Green Machine® educational hydroponic growing systems have been donated to their community partners in Alabama and Georgia.
The partners are kicking off their Earth Day celebrations in two states and eight locations -- starting with the Lou Walker Senior Center (LWSC), DeKalb County, Ga. LWSC is a multi-purpose center for active seniors and the partnership has donated several trees and an Acopia Harvest Hydroponic Green Machine® to serve the LWSC's nutrition and gardening program. The LWSC's Earth Day event will showcase fresh food production, fresh water retention, reforestation, recycling and other environmental sustainability practices.
Mrs. Bettye Davis, Director at LWSC is delighted to be a part of this partnership and be the inaugural senior center in the United States to receive the Acopia Harvest Green Machine hydroponic system so that members can continue to learn new skills.
"Our gardening and nutrition club are looking forward to producing their first crop of 32 leafy vegetables in only 28 days, year round," said Mrs. Davis. Amy Chauvin, Acopia Harvest director will be on hand to demonstrate the Green Machine.
"It is Acopia's goal to spread the Green Machine® and 'Project Sprout' educational program to schools and senior centers nationwide and truly impact all generations. We are absolutely thrilled that Lou Walker Senior Center is the first senior center in the United States and we absolutely can't wait for all of your updates on your healthy greens," said Ms. Chauvin.
The remaining seven Earth Day celebrations for this partnership will take place in Alabama at the following locations:
- Grow Selma, Selma, Ala.
- Ellwood Academy, Selma, Ala.
- Let's Move, Selma, Ala.
- The Center for Urban and Rural Empowerment (Cure2), Birmingham, Ala.
- Jones Valley Teaching Farm, Birmingham, Ala.
- Tuskegee United Leadership and Innovation Program (Tulip), Tuskegee, Ala.
- Macon County 4H Club, Tuskegee, Ala.
Dr. Austin, founder of NIEST, and Mr. Backman share a vision and passion for environmental sustainability and workforce development in urban and rural communities. The 2016 Earth Day initiative is part of their "We Have a Dream" program, championing every human's right to breathe fresh air, eat fresh food, drink fresh water and also make a living wage via green jobs.
About Irving A. Backman & Associates and The DATT Group (Developers of Advanced Technology Today)
IRVING A BACKMAN, internationally renowned benefactor of sustainability and advanced technology initiatives for over 40 years is leader of The DATT Group (Developers of Advanced Technology Today).
Partners in The DATT Group include G& B Energy Bank, Inc. IBA Global LLC, Integrated Systems International (ISI Energy Controls), AgriPower, Inc., and NIEST. Everyone in the organization has made a commitment to help significantly reduce Global Warming and climate change currently rather than talk of future commitments. The company is headquartered in Dedham, MA, 02016. Tel. 781-234-2696.
About NIEST
DR. GERALD AUSTIN, president and founder of NIEST -- National Institute for Environmental Sustainability Training is concerned with the environmental and workforce issues impacting urban and rural communities. These communities are more likely to have neighborhoods where nutritious, fresh, healthy and affordable food is largely unavailable, which has been connected to childhood obesity along with other issues. Research has also shown that these communities are significantly impacted from environmental hazards, facing greater exposure to airborne toxins. www.niest.org
About Acopia Harvest
AMY CHAUVIN, has developed and spearheads Acopia's "Project Sprout" program which educates children, adults and communities on sustainability and food sovereignty. In conjunction with STEM curriculum, the program expands on agriculture, nutrition and water management through the use of Acopia's Green Machine® indoor educational hydroponic growing system. Amy's passion and goal is to spread Project Sprout both nationally and internationally, changing the world one sprout at a time. www.acopiaharvest.com
Contact Information:
For further information, contact:
Dr. Gerald Austin
NIEST
205-281-4446
Or
Steven Swartz
The DATT Group
978-265-4934