Sustainability Tips: Composting

Did you know that food waste and yard scraps that end up in the landfill break down into greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change? Thanks to the efforts from the Climate Action Collaborative at Walking Mountains Science Center, we have data about how much of what kind of materials is ending up in our local landfill, and they found that 47.3% of the waste that went to the Eagle County Landfill in 2017 was food waste and yard scraps which broke down in the landfill and emitted around 80,904 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2e). 

So, what to do with food and yard waste? Nature has created its own method of recycling organic waste and it's called composting. It's the best recycling center around because it's free from chemicals and electricity. In Nature, nutrients are recycled continuously. When plants and animals die, the organic components are cycled back into the system with the help of many different organisms. Anything that is alive, or was once alive, is called organic and can be composted under the right conditions.

Composting can have a huge impact in reducing greenhouse gases that are causing climate change, but it also comes with many other benefits. Composting increases landfill space, enhances plant and forest seedling crops, prevents plant disease, controls erosion, replenishes damaged soil, helps prevent pollution, and enriches garden and house plants and flowers. Follow the tips below to Learn how to turn your food scraps and yard waste into high quality soil conditioner.

If you are concerned about climate change then get involved with ourClimate Action Collaborative for the Eagle County Communityby taking our Climate Action Pledge  at www.walkingmountains.org/climate-action-collaborative/ or reaching out to us to see how you can get more involved. We can’t meet our Climate Action Collaborative goals without your help. You can take part and YOU can make a difference.

Here are three tips to help you began composting and reduce your carbon footprint.

1. Visit www.walkingmountains.org/composting to learn more about composting, what type of works best for you, and create your own compost at home. 
2. Visit www.vailhoneywagon.com/vail-compost-services.cfm to sign up for composting in Vail Honeywagon’s designated facility. 
3. Pay attention to waste disposal signage when out and about and always sort waste between landfill, compost, and recycle. Remember to peel of any stickers or plastic from food waste before composting. For any questions please contact Stephen Beane for any questions at stephenb@walkingmountains.org