we about
our mission
we.grow.eco invites us humans to think more critically about our relationship with(in) the environment through interactive science, art, and community programs built upon the philosophy that small, unified actions lead to habitual, social, and systemic change.
(some extra details)
we.grow.eco is a grassroots project based in northern New Mexico approaching the problem of global climate change from a philosophical angle: how can we alter the habits in action and thought that perpetuate an unhealthy, unbalanced, unsustainable relationship with our environment? we believe that durable habitual and behavioral change can come from shifting the underlying, structuring consciousness from “anthropocentric” (human-centered) to “eco-immanent” (an awareness of the environment as a complex whole, including the complete interconnectedness of humans).
the we.grow.eco centers of value
by engaging volunteers, we foster mutual aid & collective efforts that enable a resilient community to multiply the impacts of its actions.
continuously exposing ourselves & those we interact with to different historical, cultural & social viewpoints to ensure the most well-rounded sense of mutual understanding.
we will create a sense of inclusion for every aspect of the communities we encounter, including human, non-human & non-living facets of the environment.
as the world is always changing, we aspire to address imbalances at the ecological level, the interpersonal level & between individuals & structures of power.
we strive to raise the quality of living by encouraging creative expression.
improving a community involves personal responsibility, as well as vulnerability, trust & transparency between individuals & within institutions & organizations.
our concrete principles of action:
actionable change
our efforts are aimed at improving the material circumstances of humans and the ecosphere we inhabit in lasting ways. we accomplish this through our Science Environmental and Arts Education Programs, through leadership development and via community unifying events built upon the philosophy that small, unified actions lead to habitual, social, and systemic change.
coalescence
we maintain and improve the collaborations between community members, organizations, businesses, and municipalities to provide integrated efforts and solutions that cultivate community development.
closed loop material systems
we reduce the impact of solid waste through integrative programs that address a range of topics, including: responsible consumerism, source reduction, creative reuse ideas, recycling and education about landfills, proper household hazardous waste disposal, composting, and waste-to-energy practices.
questioning norms
building programs that prompt us to reexamine normalized societal, organizational and individual values so that we can better understand our actions and choices, and how they affect those within and without our community, as well as the environment.
who we be
co directer - programs & creative
co-founder
bs biology, st. andrews university, 2014
cfoster@wegroweco.org
chauncey foster
as are the difference
as are the similar.
as our, the difference;
as our, the same.
as hour the difference.
as hour the chain.
as sour the difference,
as sour the sane.
as art the differ ends.
as art, the simile.
co directer -grants & finances
co-founder
ba english & french, wesleyan university, 2017
ma comparative literature, unm, 2025
nmertz@wegroweco.org
noah mertz
a person who:
- records & documents life for personal posterity & to share with others;
- reads, watches, & listens to the infinitely variegated palette of human creations;
- also observes the ordered & disordered non-human beauty of this world, & beyond;
- seeks to collaborate with others on creative solutions to epochal problems;
- pursues mutual understanding across differences.
paper & bookbinding specialist
bfa in book & print, oregon college of art & craft, 2019
outreach@wegroweco.org
alani kai
alani is a diurnal mammal whose backyard compost overflows with eggshells.
her heart is located in the thoracic cavity between her lungs. She loves eating soy sauce & drawing pictures. she cultivates a thriving biome within her digestive tract & a variety of potted plants in her garden.
her thick epidermis protects her from infection, harsh temperatures, & the harmful radiation of the sun. She has two kidneys & two nostrils, but only one gallbladder. luckily, it produces all the bile she needs.