Learn to Compost Day May 29

May 29th is Learn to Compost Day, which is a great opportunity to learn more about composting and how to get started. This day is dedicated to promoting composting and educating people about its benefits and techniques. It's a perfect chance to get involved in composting and make a positive impact on the environment.

Composting is a process of turning organic waste into nutrient-rich soil that can be used as fertilizer for plants. It has many benefits for the environment and individuals.

One of the significant benefits of composting is reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Landfills are not only unsightly but also produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. By composting organic waste, the amount of methane produced in landfills can be reduced, thus reducing its effect on the environment.

Moreover, composting produces a nutrient-rich soil that can be used to fertilize plants. This helps to increase soil fertility and improve plant growth, leading to higher crop yields and healthier plants. Using compost as fertilizer can also reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers that are harmful to the environment.

In the United States, many cities have curbside composting programs that allow residents to dispose of their organic waste quickly. For instance, cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York City have implemented city-wide composting programs to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. In San Francisco, over 80 percent of the city's waste is diverted from landfills through composting, recycling, and other waste reduction methods.

As part of SWANA’s next five-year Strategic Plan – Forward, Together, our Core Purpose is to advance the responsible management of solid waste as a resource. And what better way to do this than by starting to compost and becoming climate champions.

This month, we encourage you to ask your local government how you can get involved or started in their local composting program. Additionally, there are many at-home solutions that can help you do your part from the comfort of your home. Join us in composting and be a climate champion!