2026 Reports

Circularity in New York City through Volunteers

Gerson, Harrison; Gunter, Inca

The Billion Oyster Project, a nonprofit organization for environmental restoration in New York City, practices a unique model of volunteer labor and education to achieve its goals of restoring the native oyster population of the New York Harbor. Rather than rely on paid employees to restore oyster habitat, the organization educates volunteers on the importance of the native oyster population. Alongside this education, volunteer groups partake in ecological restoration activities that are essential to the organization’s goals. This volunteer activity engages the community in experiential learning and contributes to a circular city, with stronger community bonds and environmental values.