There are neighborhoods in Detroit where disinvestment and pollution are longstanding, where residents have fewer resources to improve their health and environment. To radically reverse this trend and put the community at the center, the Eastside Community Network is working with residents and community partners to bring a city-wide food waste diversion and composting system to Detroit. Modelling approaches in Malabon City, Philippines, Detroit Composting for Community Health will pioneer community-based composting systems throughout the city, including in backyards, parks and green areas, and larger-scale spaces. The communities most affected by decades of disinvestment are positioned as the experts— identifying solutions, leading zero waste campaigns, and advancing a climate health agenda.

Detroit is one of the six US cities that have received funding ($3 million investment in grants) from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to foster global learning and lead innovative, community-driven approaches that mitigate the health and equity risks posed by climate change.