I have spent this semester researching and working on projects related to brownfields. A brownfield is a plot of land presumed to feature contamination due to previous industrial or commercial development. The land associated with gas stations, factories, and drycleaners are all common examples of brownfields. I have been privileged to intern at the Mayor’s Office of Environmental Remediation in New York City, assisting with the launch of their Local Brownfield Cleanup Program. I also am a teacher’s assistant for a high school level brownfield educational program executed by Barnard College in collaboration with the Harlem Educational Activities Fund. The course utilizes a revolutionary computer simulation known as Brownfield Action (BA). BA was originally developed by a Barnard professor and Columbia University’s Center for New Media Teaching and Learning. In addition to these experiences, I’ve examined the benefits and problems associated with brownfield cleanup projects as well as the history of governmental programs focused on their redevelopment. I’ve also researched nongovernmental organizations focused on raising brownfield awareness such as HabitatMap, the Brownfield Action computer simulation, Youtube videos, and the Brownfields Conference 2009 that took place only a few weeks ago.

From my research and personal experiences, I’ve come to realize that, in addition to governmental aid and support, one of the key factors influencing brownfield revitalization is public education. Most people have never heard the term “brownfield” and are not aware that contaminated properties are so common. How can brownfield revitalization take place without anyone knowing that a problem exists? These experiences have shown me that general environmental education is crucial to creating an environmentally conscious and aware society, and is thus key to effective brownfield cleanup.