On a bright sunny morning in Austin, Texas, a member-owner of ReLeaf named Taylor stepped out into their backyard, filled with an eager sense of anticipation. Today, they were going to construct another VertiFlow system, this second one an improvement over their first attempt. They'd been excited about getting started since they first heard of it at a ReLeaf meeting a few weeks prior and building on their experience they already had some ideas for arranging the next vertical garden in new and subtly pleasing ways.
Taylor loved plants and found a unique kind of solace in nurturing them. They were drawn to ReLeaf not just for its environmental focus but also for the community's acceptance of all, irrespective of gender identity. As a nonbinary individual, finding spaces of unconditional acceptance was rare, and ReLeaf was one of those exceptional places.
With a design sketch of the VertiFlow in hand and a collection of empty aluminum cans saved up over weeks, Taylor got to work. They punctured the bottom of each can, upcycling each into a VertiCan. Next they connected them along a central axis with a rag cut into a long strip of cloth that served as a wick. Obscuring all the exposed metal, they wrapped the column in an EcoSleeve fashioned from an upcycled shirt.
Once the structure stood tall, about as high as they could reach, Taylor stepped back, a sense of achievement washing over them. It was a vertical eco-tower, a synthetic riparian length ready to play host to an array of life.
The next step was to introduce the plants. Taylor had chosen a range of species, each one selected for its suitability for different levels of the moisture gradient the VertiFlow would create. They started with the water-loving ferns at the top, progressing down to the resilient succulents at the bottom.
With each plant they introduced, the VertiFlow became more than a mere assembly of cans. It was transforming into a vibrant vertical garden, a testament to nature's tenacity and adaptability.
As the days passed, Taylor meticulously cared for their vertical garden. They watched as the rainwater trickled down from the top, each can a temporary reservoir nurturing the plants. The VertiFlow system was functioning just as they had imagined, creating a gradation of moisture that benefited each plant exactly as it needed.
To Taylor, this wasn't just a project; it was a symbol of resilience, an emblem of their journey. Like the VertiFlow, they had thrived against odds, finding their place and identity. The tower stood tall and proud in their backyard, a testament to the power of nature and community. Just like the plants it nurtured, Taylor found themselves growing stronger and more vibrant, rooted in their identity and reaching towards the sky, ready to face whatever came next.
🚮 W.A.S.T.E.: Words Assisting Sustainable Transformation & Ecology
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| ReLeaf | Welcome to the ReLeaf Cooperative, where we dive deep into an innovative and revolutionary model of sustainability and community building. ReLeaf is a pioneer in developing scalable engagement strategies that foster community participation and work towards addressing pressing social issues such as homelessness. In this category, you'll find articles and Organic Media detailing ReLeaf's groundbreaking initiatives and visions. From creating sustainable gardens in Austin elementary schools to providing transparency in a world often shrouded in deception, ReLeaf serves as a beacon of hope and innovation. ReLeaf's approach of intertwining real and fictional elements in their work—such as characters, materials, techniques, and labor—sets a new standard for cooperatives worldwide. Its business model, which compensates for labor and knowledge contributions, creates a lasting benefit and helps people who have historically been marginalized. By meeting people with compassion, as resources in need of support instead of liabilities, ReLeaf has shown that everyone has the potential to contribute to society meaningfully. Explore this section to discover how ReLeaf is redefining the way we approach social issues and sustainability, with stories of inspiration, innovation, and hope. |
| Scalable Sustainability | The practice of designing ecological systems, technologies, and social models that not only sustain themselves but also grow stronger and more impactful as they expand. |
| Sustainable Business | Welcome to our section dedicated to Sustainable Business, a realm that unites profit and planet, blurring the boundaries between commercial success and environmental stewardship. In the spotlight is ReLeaf, an innovative organization that is trailblazing a new path for sustainable business practices in Austin, Texas. Our selection of articles and SolarPunk fiction explore how ReLeaf addresses various sustainability challenges, from fashion waste to climate resilience. In a world grappling with resource depletion and climate change, we delve into how ReLeaf's cooperative ownership model not only empowers vegan values but also presents a viable, sustainable alternative to conventional business structures. We will explore how ReLeaf embodies resilience against environmental challenges, such as El Niño, while remaining a commercially viable venture. The articles also take a critical look at the shortcomings of traditional business models and how ReLeaf stands as a democratic counterpoint to corporate corruption. Join us as we delve into these inspiring narratives that reveal how businesses can effectively balance profit-making with environmental preservation, and in the process, spark a transformation towards a more sustainable and equitable world. |
| Vertical Garden | Dive into our Vertical Garden section where creativity meets sustainability. This is a celebration of the innovative approach of integrating plants into urban environments in a vertical format, a testament to human resourcefulness in the face of limited space. Here, you'll discover a vast array of ideas on how to transform would-be waste materials into sustainable, beautiful, and thriving gardens. From DIY guides on upcycling aluminum cans into modular planters, to detailed articles and SolarPunk fiction exploring the transformative power of these gardens in various settings like Austin's schools and cityscape, the Vertical Garden category provides a deep dive into a green future. Through the articles and stories in this section, we share and explore concepts, techniques, and innovations that align with a sustainable, circular economy, which views waste as an asset rather than a problem. Whether you are looking to start your own vertical garden project or just enjoy immersing yourself in hopeful visions of a green urban future, you're in the right place. Join us as we explore and reimagine our relationship with nature and urban space, one vertical garden at a time. |