Gear Up For Compost Awareness Week

Food scraps can easily be composted at home. Photo: Alex Vietti, Earth911.com

International Compost Awareness Week starts May 1. Are you ready?

If not, we’re here for you. Earth911 has given you a lot of information about composting over the years.

Organic waste – your food scraps, yard trimmings, paper products and other compostable items- made up more than two-thirds of the U.S. municipal solid waste stream in 2009. About 33 million tons of food scraps are thrown away each year.

The problem with so much organic waste going into the landfill is that the rotting food creates methane gas, which can be up to 21 times the global warming potential of CO2, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. By diverting this waste from landfills and incinerators, there will be a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and waste combustion.

The EPA also highlights the positive effects of composting – improved soil health, increased drought resistance, and reduced need for supplemental water, fertilizers and pesticides.

So, not only does compost reduce harmful effects on the environment, but it also creates constructive effects.

With all the benefits of composting and cool tools we’ve given you, there’s no reason not to take part in Compost Awareness Week, which runs until May 7.

Many cities and states are hosting events to help spread the word; past events have included compost bin sales, compost giveaways, expos and information booths to answer questions.