Stonyfield Organic aims to convert some of the world’s most famous parks to be organically maintained by 2025. Through several donations, the organic yogurt brand endeavors to transition Central Park in New York City, Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York, and Grant Park in Chicago as part of its #PlayFree initiative. Grant Park will be the first of the parks to begin by the end of April.
In New York, Stonyfield is working with a coalition of organizations to pass bill, “Intro 1524,” that will prohibit city agencies from applying toxic pesticides to any property owned or leased by the city. This bill has the majority support of New York City Council Members, but has yet to be passed. After moving through the hearing process with unanimous support, the legislation is awaiting a vote of the full Council. From there, Stonyfield’s donation will help to work with the city to provide training and begin organic maintenance.
Additional parks across the country will be converted this year as well, including Jordan Park in Allentown and Reservoir Park in Pennsylvania and also fields in North Carolina. Each of this year’s selected communities will receive a monetary donation to use toward the purchase of organic inputs and/or landscaping equipment needed for organic grounds management. The communities will also receive in kind technical support and guidance underwritten by Stonyfield from the yogurt maker’s partners, including Beyond Pesticides, Non-Toxic Neighborhoods, Osborne Organics, and Midwest Grows Green.
Related: Sustainable Brands Create Earth Day Snack Box; Buyers’ Picks: Specialty Yogurt.
Image: Stonyfied Organic