Sustainability

Our school prides itself on our sustainable practices by promoting positive ways to maintain our natural resources to maintain an ecological balance. At P721K, we have created a garden that serves as an educational space for our students. Our garden is wheelchair accessible, and we consider it an educational garden where students of all physical abilities can participate in outdoor learning experiences.

Each year, we apply for and receive grants to fund our garden. Our school community (staff, students, and families) come together to prepare our garden for the season. We are celebrated through recognitions and awards for our efforts in sustainable practices and gardening. We partner with various city agencies, higher education institutions and non-profit organizations to improve our school garden and educational offerings. P721K works closely with the NYCDOE (New York City Department of Education) Office of Sustainability towards meeting the goal of Zero Waste by 2030.

We have developed a comprehensive food scrap composting program that helps support our school’s gardening efforts. Our herbs and vegetables are growing in abundance as a result. P721K has also partnered with John Dewey High School to share new and unique ways to ensure that we reduce food waste. The ability to share our success and encourage schools in our community to do the same increases sustainability. Our school garden has provided over 500 pounds of food yearly to our culinary program, students, and staff. It is our hope that we can provide more each year we are in service and extend our reach to our local community.