by Carson Bandy

Last Saturday, October 26, a group of other NYU students and I had the opportunity to volunteer with the lovely folks at the Newtown Creek Alliance. We convened at their headquarters in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, to first learn the 3-R mantra that they follow; Restore, Review, and Revitalize. The Creek is part of the Hudson Estuary, flowing west for almost 4 miles between Queens and Brooklyn, before emptying into the East River. With a highly central location, the Newtown Creek became a place of industry for the city in the early 19th and 20th centuries. Everything from oil refineries and distilleries to copper wire mills and sugar refineries found a home on the banks of Newtown Creek.

Up until the late 20th century, these industries had free reign over this waterway with no regulation on what they could or couldn’t do. To say Newtown Creek was dirty is a gross understatement. Exxon, for example, is responsible for a 17-30 million gallon oil spill in the creek. Thanks to the Newtown Creek Alliance, Exxon has been held responsible for their actions and the creek is on an ecological upswing. Now, blue crabs can be found at the mouth and fish and waterfowls once again call Newtown Creek home. Newtown Creek Alliance continues to host educational events regarding the creek, remove current pollutants and prevent new pollutants from entering the creek, and lead other watershed communities in industrial business to be environmentally friendly. 

A lot can be learned from the Newtown Creek Alliance outside of Newtown Creek, particularly what it takes to solve large, daunting tasks. It’s easy to think that the actions of one person doesn’t matter in the greater scheme of things, but Lisa Bloodgood, their Director of Advocacy and Education, is an example of small actions leading to huge change. It is thanks to people like Lisa that are led by their love of a place to start a ripple effect in their community that ultimately leads to a lasting change. New York City is a better city with the Newtown Creek Alliance.

Please visit the Newtown Creek Alliance website to find out ways that you and your friends can get involved, visit, and volunteer in the future.

 

Carson Bandy is a senior studying Environmental Studies and Global Liberal Studies concentrating in Critical Creative Production. She is extremely passionate about sustainable agriculture, food waste, and anything involving low waste cooking. In her free time she enjoys cooking, watching movies, and exploring New York City with friends.