The winter holidays are a time of reflection on the old year and excitement toward what lies ahead. What better way to celebrate than with a gift that keeps on giving!
Sustainable Renton has launched our first-ever “Recipe Calendar”! Each month features a new recipe donated by one of our supporters.
Get yours shipped directly to you today!
Current Projects & Activities
Free Grocery Store:
Our free grocery store offers food to anyone that needs it. We do not require any documentation to receive food, nor do we have limitations on the food that we can accept for distribution. Our donations are received from local grocery stores, farmer’s markets, local gardens, and other organizations working towards food justice. We operate weekly from the parking lot of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church.
Sustainable Talks:
This is our seasonal lecture series featuring local experts on topics related to sustainability. We generally aim to host at least 3-4 talks per year. Past talks have covered topics such as rainwater harvesting/cisterns, seed-starting, why community gardens, and composting.
Our lectures are free to the public and appropriate for all ages. Donations are gratefully accepted.
If you would like to schedule a Sustainable Renton lecture/workshop please contact us at sustainablerenton@gmail.com. You can see a list of past workshops below, or if you have a topic that you would like explored, we will likely have an expert on that topic for you, just let us know.
Community Garden Network:
Our first project was the community farm located in the East Renton Highlands neighborhood on the property of Celebration Church. We have successfully operated there since Spring of 2013.
A major goal of our organization is to see the expansion of community gardens in Renton. The more access that people have to grow their own food, the healthier our community and environment will be. We work to provide resources and education for existing and developing community gardens.
We offer year-round gardening and an on site Seed Lending Library. Sliding scale and scholarships are available for those that need it. First time gardeners are especially encouraged. All you need to start is the willingness.
We currently are seeking to work with local churches and the City of Renton to support the development of new gardens around our community.
Sustainable Renton Gleaning Project:
Locally gleaned produce and other items from farmer’s markets, grocery stores, businesses, and privately operated gardens are made available by operating a Free Grocery Store and direct delivery to the community through various points of access, such as community meal programs and homeless encampments. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Previous Projects, Talks & Activities:
Harvest Mayhem:
This is our annual fundraiser held at the farm every year. In the past we have had speakers that talked about cooperatives, the grassroots movement of the Renton Food Co-Op and what to do with all of that chard! We hosted a barter fair, a silent auction, a small petting zoo, cider press, and a stone soup luncheon.
How to plant a p-patch using Permaculture Design:
This workshop was led by Laura Sweany, local permaculturist and all around maven of everything green. This provided gardeners with the knowledge to use sustainable gardening techniques that enrich the soil rather than deplete it.
Garden Planning with the Urban Food Warrior:
Caitlin Moore has conducted many workshops with Sustainable Renton over the years. This is one of her most popular workshops. She has also done Seed Saving workshops and has started her own see company out of Olympia, Wa.
Rummage Sale Fundraiser:
In the Fall of 2011, we collected unwanted goods from community members, and held a two-weekend long rummage sale as a fundraiser for our organization. It was a great way for us to gain exposure, and to raise funds.
Seed-Sharing Workshop:
Led by Sustainable Renton board member Lara Randolph, the “Urban Food Warrior” Caitlin Moore, and King County Master Gardener Barb Mandic, attendees were treated to expertise on how to successfully get seeds started, and the methods to do so. Everyone took home starts, and door prizes were given away.
City of Renton — Food Systems & Sustainability:
We led a Call to Action to support the City of Renton’s Planning Commission Docket Item #68. This docket item addressed a sustainable local food system, including bees, chickens, gardens, and grocery stores. The Call to Action successfully involved community members to write the commission and to attend their meeting. The docket item was successfully passed.
Rainwater Harvesting & Cisterns:
Led by Nikola Davidson, owner of Earth Systems NW. Ms. Davidson shared information on how to collect rainwater in cisterns and other devices to use in your garden and home.
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