'Coop Op' turns Pullman eyesore into community asset

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Some neighbors are finding a cooperative way to eliminate a so-called "brownfield," all while helping to feed the community, as a group of young residents in Pullman are repurposing a toxic waste site and serving their community.

They call it the 'Coop-Op,' pronounced like 'loop shop," short for Cooperation Operation. Justin Booz founded the community garden with the idea to turn a neighborhood eyesore into a community asset.

"I grew up in this neighborhood and this was the only spot in the neighborhood that I wasn't allowed to play as a kid because it was so contaminated," Booz said. "It's been vacant and a blight to the neighborhood for as long as I've been alive."

Nearly 40 varieties of vegetables are planted in raised beds and upcycled planters while they use natural resources to make the soil safe from contaminants.

"We're using a process called mycelium remediation and that's basically using mushrooms and the network they form to heal the soil, rebuild the soil," said Booz.

Organizers give away the food, free of charge, to neighbors in the community.

"It's a really tight-knit community that you wouldn't expect," said Hannah Green. "You walk down the street and people say good morning. You know everybody and everybody knows you."

They also host arts and educational programs and volunteer days as a way to engage even the youngest residents.

"I pick up tomatoes and peppers and collard greens, because they make you get strong and healthy, said 7-year-old Corian Robinson.

"What we're doing is we're creating an actual tangible solution so people can come and learn the skills that they need to be able to grow healthy organic food," said program coordinator Liz Nerat.

The Coop Op's primary funding has come through crowdfunding campaigns where individuals donate money to the cause on-line. There is a current Kickstarter campaign to help fund a new orchard.

For more information: http://coopop.org/