International Compost Awareness Week (May 3-9)
As the world grapples with the urgent need to combat climate change, International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) stands as a beacon of hope, celebrating compost and the importance of organics recycling. For over 20 years, the second week in May has been set aside for individuals, communities, and organizations worldwide to come together to raise awareness about the transformative power of compost and composting.
This year’s theme, COMPOST... Nature’s Climate Champion, highlights the fact that we have at our fingertips a powerful tool to fight climate change. Through organic recycling and the return of compost back to our soils, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced. The organic matter in compost helps our soils absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and sequester it in the soil, where it can remain stored for years, decades, or even centuries. At the same time, compost helps create healthier soils that are more resilient to changing weather conditions. Compost improves soil structure and water-holding capacity and water retention, thus reducing erosion, while also providing protection from drought. Increased water and organic matter increase biodiversity, which facilitates a slow-release source of nutrients to plants. With healthier soil, compost also helps reduce the need for artificial inputs such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
"Compost is a powerful champion in our fight against climate change," remarked Diane Hazard, CREF executive director. "It not only reduces methane emissions from landfills, but its soil health benefits are linked to enriched biodiversity, increased agricultural productivity, enhanced food security, and improved water quality. Through International Compost Awareness Week, our goal is to highlight the immense potential of composting and compost as nature-based solutions to combat climate change."
To celebrate ICAW, communities and organizations around the world are hosting composting workshops, demonstrations, and myriad other compost-focused educational events. Individuals can also get involved by starting their own composting system at home or in their community, getting to know the important workings at a local composting facility, or starting their own garden and adding compost to their soil.
Here’s what’s happening in Vermont:
Two events kick off ICAW on Saturday, May 2nd:
Ask a Gardener/Composter at the Varnum Memorial Library in Jeffersonville at 11am
Franklin County NRCD Conservation Fair at Hudak Farm in Swanton from 9am-1pm, where CAV will be on hand with home composting demos and to answer compost-related questions
Windham Solid Waste Management District is hosting two home composting workshops at their Compost Demonstration Area
Wednesday May 6th at 4pm
Saturday May 9th at 2pm
CAV Director, Natasha Duarte, will be talking about home composting on Across the Fence, a daily television program co-produced by UVM Extension and WCAX-TV, Channel 3.
“As we confront the challenges of a rapidly changing climate, composting emerges as a tangible and accessible solution that empowers individuals and communities to take meaningful action," said Diane Hazard. "International Compost Awareness Week serves as a catalyst for change, inspiring collective action towards a more sustainable future."
We encourage everyone to participate in ICAW to learn more about how composting can benefit our communities and the environment!