The Compost Movement is Growing!

Composting is continuing to gain momentum! Thanks to more education and awareness about its benefits, as well as increased availability of organics collection programs, composting is becoming a more attractive option for environmentally conscious communities. Many cities across the United States are implementing municipal compost collection programs, while community-based composting organizations are also seeing growth.

Composting diverts waste from landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and creates nutrient-rich soil that can be used to grow plants and food. By working together to promote composting, we can create a healthier and more sustainable world. Let’s spread the word about the benefits of composting for healthier soil and food!

Happy Composting!

The Growth of Composting

From reducing waste to creating nutrient-rich soil, composting has many advantages that make it an attractive option for environmentally conscious communities. As the compost movement continues to grow, it’s becoming easier for people to compost organics instead of sending it to landfill.

What’s driving this change? New types of composting systems for small spaces, increased organics collection availability, as well as more education and awareness of the benefits of compost!

Many U.S. cities have recently expanded or begun to offer municipal curbside compost collection. To support the city’s zero waste goals, San Diego is rolling out organic waste collection to all residents. In January 2023, Los Angeles announced expansion of their free pick up services to all residents. The City of Boston launched a popular free curbside food waste collection service in August 2022, and has opened their waitlist for 2023. The new compost service in Queens, NYC diverted over 12 million pounds of organic waste in its first 3 months. Many other cities across the U.S. are implementing similar programs!

And it’s not just municipal programs that are seeing growth. A recently released report, A Growing Movement: 2022 Community Composter Census, from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) shows a rise in community composting operations. These are local community based organizations, ranging in size from home-based operations to community gardens and farms.

The Future of Composting

Invest in Our Planet

Investing in composting is ultimately an investment in the health of the planet.

April 22, 2023 is Earth Day! This year’s theme is “Invest in Our Planet”. Composting reduces waste, creates healthy soil, and saves valuable resources. This can help mitigate climate change, reduce pollution, and support healthy ecosystems. Composting can also help promote sustainable agriculture and reduce the environmental impact of food production.

As more businesses begin to invest in composting and compostable packaging, we can expect to see even more positive outcomes for the environment. Whether it's through implementing a composting program at a business, signing up for curbside collection, or starting a bin at home, investing in composting is a smart choice for those who want to make a difference.

For Healthier Soil, Healthier Food…Compost!

Following Earth Day, May 7-13 2023 is International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW). A week of promoting awareness and celebrating compost! Elevate Packaging is a proud sponsor of International Compost Awareness Week 2023.

This year’s ICAW theme focuses on the role of compost in helping to end world hunger. Compost creates healthy soil, which in turn produces nutritious and abundant crops.

“Compost not only helps the environment but also helps to decrease food shortages experienced around the world. For Healthier Soil, Healthier Food…Compost!”

-  The Compost Research and Education Foundation

How can you get involved? As a business owner, you have a great opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of composting in your community.

1. Partner with local composting programs or community gardens to provide composting education and resources to customers.
2. Use compostable packaging for products, and promote the benefits of compostable materials to customers.
3. Share success stories about the benefits of composting on your website or social media. Highlight how composting has helped reduce waste and improve sustainability at your business.
4. Work with local policymakers to advocate for composting legislation and incentives for composting initiatives.

Head over to the ICAW 2023 website for some more ideas on how to get involved, or to add your own event to the list! By working together to promote composting, we can help create a healthier and more sustainable world.

It takes a community to build a movement!