In order to affect change in any aspect, the key is often awareness. Only through efforts to increase awareness can we hope to make a difference in the world in which we live. This is particularly true when it comes to the way we live our lives at home and the things we do on a daily basis. If we are not aware of the importance our actions have, how can we be expected to change?
Due to the large amount of waste that ends up in our landfills on a regular basis, it is important to note that approximately 12% of municipally generated waste is food scraps. If we could divert this from the landfills it would create an impact of almost 32 million tons a year diverted from US landfills. The single most effective way to affect change is to begin composting at home.
In an effort to increase awareness of the importance of having a compost program at home, Busch Systems gave away hundreds of kitchen compost containers at the recent Indiana Recycling Coalition’s Annual Conference. Recycling Consultant Jarrod Cameron states that “There are not currently a great number of curb side organic collection programs in the Mid West. Perhaps by increasing awareness as to the importance of kitchen composting, we can help change that. If people start composting at home, there is more likely to be a push toward curb side organic collection. It is a great first step”.
In a further effort to increase composting efforts, the use of a backyard composter is a great start. In addition to diverting waste from our landfills and providing much needed fertilizer for your lawn and garden, the use of a backyard compost involves every member of the family and passes on an environmentally-friendly approach to our children.
If you would like to go one step further, using a vermi-composter to transform your kitchen scraps into “black gold” compost is a great idea. By using a worm composter, your kids can get into the act of composting and learn about the benefits of having an environmentally-friendly lifestyle.
Just think of the implications composting can have on our planet. 32 million tons is a lot of waste in our landfills. Best of all, you can affect change right from your kitchen. Help spread the word about kitchen composting. Mother Earth will thank you for it.
