Pantin, France
They named it René.e. An old-fashioned name with etymological roots alluding a re-birth; one of a 2000sqm wasteland formerly occupied by a gas station, located in the northeastern limits of Paris. The site started regaining personality and colors, during last Spring, thanks to the common vision of Pépins Production and Les Alchimistes. By uniting their forces in this crazy adventure of temporary occupation, they have given themselves the mission to fertilize its inert and polluted grounds whilst setting up their respective activities.
Once passing the site entrance delimitated by colored fences, a magnificent wooden greenhouse welcomes us surrounded by BACSAC® pots and raised beds® planted with young shrubs (apple trees, black currants, sea buckthorn, black elderberry...). Further down, an open container reveals a complex machinery whilst a buzzing hive of people are unloading waste bins from a truck.
The container with the complex machinery, is the den of the Alchemists: a French social enterprise which collects and composts food waste in short circuits, within micro-industrial units. Following an electro-mechanical composting process, the food waste is mixed with floral waste and wood shreds, to be brewed and broken down in a high temperature tank. The compost that results from this process, comes out dark and homogeneous, still humid and full of microbial activity.
To ensure a dry and stable substance the product is then cured in the open-air. The compost is then sold to individual gardeners and local urban farms!
Upon this location, the Alchemists are testing a unique experience: the composting of biodegradable baby diapers, in association with manufacturers and local nurseries. Following a similar process as for the composting of food waste, this pilot project aims at finding a solution for this specific waste stream with high ecological impact, while allowing manufacturers to develop products more adapted to their after-use treatment.
Under the greenhouse, we then meet Magalie and Bérangère, the two volunteers in charge of running the activity of Pépins Production, accompanied by Loubliana, co-founder of the organization. Here in this greenhouse, they cultivate a countless array of seedlings following ecological principles, which are then sold, together with Les Alchimistes compost, during weekly markets.
Newly built from pine wood resting upon a coated base made of mud and straw ; the greenhouse releases a comforting scent – a mix of wood, sun bathed humidity and photosynthesis.
Surrounding the greenhouse, edible islets are grown off-ground using BACSAC® pots and raised garden beds, hence allowing to surpass the constraints of a polluted soil. In these first breezes of Spring, nature is still quite shy but the first purple pea cloves are showing, amongst the chamomile and fruit shrubs.
Further in the realm of René.e, where the gasoline tanks once stood, the Pépins Production teams have created mounds amended with compost to host a wild meadow planted with endemic flower seeds from the Paris Basin.
Now, may we let the seasons arrive, the rain, the pollination, the wind and the birds carry away the seeds in the depths of the site and far beyond. Soon, René.e will boast a new face and we will not miss writing a new chapter of its story… Long Live René.e !
©BarbaraPortailler
