Mission: The Rich Earth Institute engages in research, education and technological innovation to advance the use of human waste as a resource. We envision a world with clean water and fertile soil achieved by reclaiming the nutrients from our bodies as elements in a life sustaining cycle.
About: Founded in 2012, Rich Earth is a growing research, education, and demonstration organization based in Brattleboro, Vermont. We have developed a scalable and accessible model to transform the perceptions and practices of nutrient management. Our team has pioneered the first and largest urine nutrient recycling initiative in the United States, which operates under the country’s first permit to produce sanitized Class A fertilizer from nutrients in urine. Using this model, we support other communities in adopting circular systems that prevent nutrient pollution, conserve water, offset dependence on synthetic fertilizer, and support local agriculture. This work protects food systems, creates accessible sanitation infrastructure, and builds local resilience as communities face the impacts of climate change.
Location: Brattleboro, VT
Jamina Shupack
Executive Director
Jamina Shupack is the Executive Director of Rich Earth Institute. She joined the Rich Earth team in 2021 after 12 years as an educator. While teaching high school math, she started a Living Lab program to connect the curriculum to hands-on environmental projects. She sees improving the sanitation systems in the United States and beyond as a vital component in reorienting humans' relationship with the environment. Jamina holds a Bachelors in Environmental Science with a minor in Biology from the University of Oregon. Outside of improving nutrient cycles, she can often be found working on a sewing project, cooking for her community, embarking on a bike tour, or swimming in the nearest body of water.
Mike Iacona
Finance Director
Mike Iacona oversees the Rich Earth Institute's financial systems. He earned a BS in Finance from Penn State University in 2002 and has studied permaculture, agroforestry, and other regenerative farming techniques. He has spent many years working on organic farms in NH, PA, Quebec, CA, and various parts of Europe. This time spent growing food has led to his deep appreciation for nutrient cycles, soil health and its important role in human health. Mike also has 10 years of practical experience running a residential carpentry business and designing/ building wooden taper-wall yurts. Though it may look like he's creating a spreadsheet, he's actually turning waste into a resource.