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Project Concept
NERI is a new initiative focused on regenerating
degraded soils through the use of organic waste,
microbial ecology, and community action.
We transform organic waste into a living resource
that restores soil structure, boosts fertility,
enhances water retention, and contributes to
carbon capture. By using controlled and accelerated
biological processes—such as microbial succession
and soil organism activity—we achieve in a few
months what would normally take nature decades.
NERI is also an educational platform that engages
students, educators, and communities in hands-on
learning experiences centered around regeneration,
environmental science, and sustainability. It offers a
tangible response to climate change, turning the
problem of waste into a regenerative solution.
The Problem
From Organic Waste to Regenerative Soil
- Separation and Layering– Categorize materials into food scraps, brown materials, and green materials.
2. Biological Activation – Foster microbial succession and thermophilic activity to enhance decomposition.
3. Soil Organism Integration – Incorporate worms and microbes to improve soil structure.
4. Application and Monitoring – Implement test plots to assess moisture levels, texture, and fertility.
Our approach emulates nature’s design—accelerated and optimized for efficiency.
Our Process
From Organic Waste to Regenerative Soil
- Separation and Layering– Categorize materials into food scraps, brown materials, and green materials.
- Biological Activation – Foster microbial succession and thermophilic activity to enhance decomposition.
- Soil Organism Integration – Incorporate worms and microbes to improve soil structure.
- Application and Monitoring – Implement test plots to assess moisture levels, texture, and fertility.
Our approach emulates nature’s design—accelerated and optimized for efficiency.
The Science
Why It Works
- Soil with balanced microbial communities captures up to 55% more biomass energy (Johnson, 2020)
- Organic waste-based soil amendment improves water retention and reduces nitrate leaching
- Advanced methods lower greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% (Pang et al., 2020)
- Beneficial microbes suppress plant disease and improve root development
Real Impact
Pilot Results:
- Diverted 300 to 500 pounds of organic waste monthly
- Enhanced soil quality, including improvements in moisture, nutrient levels, and structure
- Promoted stronger plant growth, resilience, and carbon retention
- Achieved soil regeneration in 3 to 6 months, significantly faster than the typical 40 to 50 years
Education in Action
Hands-On Learning, Real-World Change
- Students participate in workshops and field activities
- Lessons in soil biology, sustainability, and climate science
- Schools and gardens become living laboratories
- Empowering youth to be part of the climate solution
Recognition
Pando Days 2024 Winner
- Awarded $7,100 in seed funding
- Recognized as one of Los Angeles County's premier sustainability initiatives
- Led by an interdisciplinary team consisting of students from CSUN and CSLA.
Emphasizes community partnerships and applied research as foundational elements
What’s Next?
Scaling Soil Regeneration
- Expanding the model to other schools, gardens, and urban areas
- Publishing open-source data and regeneration guides
- Collaborating with municipalities, nonprofits, and educators
- Creating a blueprint for soil recovery through local action
Conclusion
The New Earth Regeneration Initiative proves that local actions can drive global impact. By turning organic waste into a living solution, we are regenerating soils, empowering communities, and building a more resilient future—starting from the ground up. This is more than a project. It’s a movement. A movement where science, education, and sustainability come together to restore what’s been lost—our connection to the soil, to nature, and to each other. The soil is not just beneath us. It’s the foundation of everything ahead.