UPDATE: In an urgent effort to combat California’s desertification, Carlos Marin, founder of the New Earth Regeneration Initiative (NERI), is turning food waste into nutrient-rich soil at Arminta Street Elementary in North Hollywood. This groundbreaking program has composted over 10,000 pounds of food waste in just two years, and its impact could reshape environmental strategies across the state.
As students toss their leftover lunch into designated bins, they are part of a crucial pilot program aimed at transforming waste management practices. Marin’s initiative is not only a “proof of concept” but also a vital step toward improving soil health in arid regions like California, where vegetation loss has led to severe ecological challenges.
After witnessing the alarming 2020 wildfires that blanketed the San Francisco Bay Area in orange smoke, Marin shifted his career from finance to environmentalism, declaring, “Something needs to be done.” He founded NERI in May 2022 and later graduated from Cal State Northridge with a degree in Sustainability and Environmental Studies.
Using the innovative Organic Waste Processing System (OWPS), Marin’s team processes waste with a unique blend of biological agents, including red worms and black soldier flies. This method results in compost with nutrient levels that are 350% higher than conventional commercial compost. “Just 90 square feet of OWPS can process over 10,000 pounds,” Marin stated, emphasizing the system’s efficiency.
The implications are profound. Marin explains that the OWPS can retain seven to ten times more water than traditional methods, addressing California’s pressing water retention issues. “If we don’t have vegetation, the soil becomes like concrete, leading to floods,” he added.
With Arminta Street Elementary preparing to become one of the few “green schools” in the Los Angeles Unified School District, Principal Rene Ramirez noted the ease of the program, stating, “Our students are excelling at separating food waste from plastics.” This initiative not only teaches environmental responsibility but also engages students in meaningful sustainability practices.
Meanwhile, the project expands beyond schools. A second site at the California Mental Health Connection in Baldwin Park processes over 6,500 pounds of organic waste annually, supporting local community gardens.
NERI’s success has garnered attention, leading to plans for a larger site in Holtsville, east of San Diego County, which Marin describes as “Arminta on steroids.” The initiative’s effectiveness has prompted discussions in Long Beach about enhancing the city’s organic waste program, with a presentation scheduled for October 21, 2025.
Marin’s recognition at the 2025 United Nations Science Summit underscores the global relevance of his work. “We shouldn’t be using so much energy and water to produce something that’s essentially a fire hazard,” he remarked, advocating for sustainable practices that can mitigate climate risks.
As NERI continues to operate, Carlos Marin’s mission to regenerate soil and combat waste is gaining momentum. With each successful project, he remains focused on a singular goal: complete soil regeneration. “It’s one of the things that gets me most excited,” he concluded.
Stay tuned for further updates on this transformative initiative as it develops!
