When we think about all the major changes that should be implemented in order to achieve the healthiest version of our planet, we think of cutting fossil fuel emissions, supplying broader access to renewable energy, and eliminating all other means of pollution.
For many of us, however, these changes aren’t particularly attainable within the small communities we occupy, such as at home or in the workplace.
While we push legislation to make changes to their environmental businesses regarding climate change, we might as well do our part in the places we occupy most frequently.
One of the most impactful changes we can make at home and at work is composting!
What exactly is composting?
Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, according to NRDC. Essentially, things like food scraps, leaves, and anything else that decomposes can be composted.
Composting is just about supplying an exemplary environment for fungi, bacteria, and their other decomposing organism friends to do their job efficiently! What do we end up with then, a pile of decaying food waste? Not necessarily; you end up having some of the richest, nutrient-filled, fertile garden soil.
As referred to by farming experts, this “black gold” can be used for all sorts of agricultural practices.
What’s the problem?
Consider this: only 6% of food waste is composted.
When food waste is decomposed the right way, we can observe a lovely, beneficent process known as aerobic decomposition. This is only achieved by the microorganisms that need oxygen to function, such as bacteria and fungi.
But when the compost ends up being wasted in landfills, what happens? It gets buried under all the other trash, completely eroding the pathway for those oxygen-needing microorganisms to do their job.
Simply put: no oxygen, no microorganisms.
Alternatively, anaerobic decomposition takes place, yielding a biogas containing half methane, and half carbon dioxide. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is roughly thirty times more harmful than CO2, trapping heat in the atmosphere and contributing immensely to global heating.
Yikes, right?
The good news is that these emissions can be reduced easily at home and in your workplace. Take the opportunity to lower your carbon footprint!
What are the benefits?
By composting, you can limit the excess scraps that end up in the waste stream and give the helpful bacteria and fungi the environment they need to thrive.
If you also compost at home, you can bring the compost from work straight to your garden. Bonus points are included for reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and enriching your soil naturally!
How do we do this in the workplace?
Most cities unfortunately do not offer composting methods for work environments. There are ways to go around this, though!
First thing’s first: check to see local farmer’s markets, community gardens, or other waste facilities that would be willing to take your scraps if you yourself cannot take the compost home.
Once you’ve located your compost end-destination, you can begin practicing with a special bin that can be used indoors. Even better, acquire a composting bin that will process your waste and turn it to nutrient-rich soil.
Make sure there are signs that clearly communicate the do’s and don’ts of your compost system so that everybody can do their part correctly.
When you get your bin, throw your coffee grounds from that fresh brew in there! You can even put the filter in as well. Finished with your apple and thinking of tossing the core? Put it in the compost! What about the orange peels from your snack earlier? Yep, those too.
Here is a guide for what can and cannot be composted.
If you find that indoor composting is not functional in your office environment, we hope that you take these tips home with you and lower your carbon footprint in the best ways that you can.
At the end of the day, the goal is to divert food waste in any way possible.
