Week 3: Smart Disposal

Smart Disposal: Choose to compost!

Learn something new: What is compost and why does it matter?

While most of this challenge is focused on preventing food waste, we know it's not possible to get rid of waste completely. Composting is a simple alternative. By combining food scraps + yard waste + oxygen (air), you end up with a material that can be used to improve soil health and support plant growth! Check out the resources below to learn how you can participate.

Learn something new: How do you compost?

Composting is as simple or involved as you want to make it! The two main ways to compost are:

• Backyard Composting (link)
  • Backyard Composting is a hands-on way to create compost in your own yard. Whether this is your first time trying or you're a composting pro, this guide from the University of Minnesota Extension is a very helpful resource.
  • Alternatively, Worm Composting (link), AKA Vermicomposting, is a style of composting that can be done inside using very little space. Use this guide to find out how to get started! There are also plenty of videos online you can check out.
• Compost Drop-off (link)
  • The City of Saint Paul has 8 locations where you can drop off your food scraps for free. Collect them on your kitchen counter and drop them off whenever you're ready. Locations and hours are on the Ramsey County website: RamseyRecycles.com/FoodScraps.

Whether you decide to compost in your backyard or to take your food scraps to a free drop-off site, both are great ways to reduce waste!

Discussion Question (click link): Do you compost? If so, what has been your biggest challenge and how have you addressed it?