EcoGardens
What are EcoGardens?
EcoGardens are urban gardens built of recycled materials for the purpose of increasing nutrition among vulnerable communities. They are eco-conscious health havens for growth and learning.
Where are the EcoGardens?
The EcoGardens are located in Metro Manila, one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Most of the EcoGardens serve informal communities built along Manila's waterways.
Did you know...
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Approximately 20-35% of Metro Manila's 13 million people live in an informal setting, with up to 80% working in an informal economy [1].
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Around 1 in 3 children under the age of five in the Philippines are stunted or have impaired growth due to poor nutrition [2].
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The Pasig River in Manila contributes the 2nd highest amount of plastic waste of any other river in the world [3].
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The Philippines is the world's top third contributor to the ocean's plastic waste [4]
Read more about the communities, Metro Manila, and the Philippines in our Resources section.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a call for action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Project Propel through the EcoGardens works towards achieving the following SDGs:
How do the EcoGardens help?
EDUCATION
Community members are educated on proper nutrition, disease prevention, and urban & organic gardening techniques. Seminars, health screenings, & community events reinforce healthy and sustainable practices!
IMPROVING NUTRITION & FOOD SECURITY
Families include more fruits and vegetables in their meals because of the community garden. For many, the EcoGarden provides a sense of food security in times of uncertainty or financial hardship.
EMPOWERING WOMEN
Being able to grow food for your family is empowering. Most EcoGardeners are women and young mothers. Each EcoGarden is self-governed and elects its own officers. EcoGardeners teach the greater community about health & nurturing respect for the Earth.
REDUCING PLASTIC WASTE
Each EcoGarden uses 1000-2000 EcoBricks in its construction. EcoBricks are used in the fences, garden beds and structures. This saves more than 10 metric tons of plastic from entering the waterways. Learn more about EcoBricks here.
