The 23rd American Lung Association ‘State Of The Air’ report reveals that 84% of Arizonians live in communities receiving failing grades for bad air quality. Furthermore, the air quality in the Phoenix metro area is the fifth worst in the nation in regards to ozone contamination, and eighth in terms of particulate pollution exposure.

A prevailing environmental injustice continues to loom over the greater Phoenix metro communities, with its primary influence affecting minority residents in the South Phoenix area. Until the mid-70’s, South Phoenix was the only place minority families could own property; subsequently, it was also the only place where superfund sites and hazardous chemical factories and farmlands were allowed construction and operation. 70-years later, research conveys that particulate matter, found in most air pollutants, is capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream causing strokes and heart and respiratory problems. Contemporary research also reveals that high levels of nitrogen dioxide leads to difficulty breathing and is largely associated with asthma and emphysema. South Phoenix’s minority families and children have maintained and enjoyed their everyday lives—inundated with these specific health conditions outlined above—as a result of living in close proximity to toxic landfills and industrial farmlands. 

Waffle Forest, a 501(c)3 non-profit, eco-friendly organization, inspired by South Phoenix natives, desires to plant the first self-sustaining tech-forest on the 70-year-old, 213-acres 19th Ave superfund site located in the South Phoenix municipality. The 19th Avenue Landfill site originated as a sand and gravel company in 1957. Facility operations created large pits from the mining operations which were later backfilled predominately with municipal refuse, and various solid and liquid industrial wastes from the Phoenix area. These wastes were disposed into the unlined pits at the facility which are identified as Cell A and Cell A-1. The site was completely filled with refuse and industrial waste by late 1972. 

Utilizing state-of-the-art technology contracted by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Dr. Riccardo Valentini, Waffle Forest will transform the dilapidated 19th-Ave superfund site into a carbon reducing greenspace by replanting and maintaining 10,000 mature, indigenous trees, in conjunction with Direct Air Capture mechanization. Ultimately, the combined effort of the mature trees and Direct Air Capture mechanization will equivocate the carbon reducing power of a million trees. By transforming the 19th-Ave superfund site, we will beautify the South Phoenix community, increase property value and aesthetics in the greater Phoenix area, combat environmental injustice against minority families and children, reduce local carbon emissions rates, and improve community and local relations.

Please sign the petition to request the City of Phoenix and Environmental Protection Agency to assist in rehabilitating a superfund site that has impacted the South Phoenix community and families for decades.

Click here: Quick Visual How Waffle Forest Works!​

www.waffleforest.org

Please Help Our Cause no donation is to big or small. Its the thought and energy that counts!

ONLY PLACE TO DONATE TO WAFFLE FOREST IS HERE 

Ernest Lerma: Ernest@waffleforest.org