THE FOOD WE BREATHE 

The Soil We Grow - Composting for a healthier planet!

Composting is nature’s recycling process. Basically, it’s the way nature breaks down organic waste (like food scraps and yard waste) into nutrients that new plants can use to grow. 

• Composted food scraps break down with the help of worms and microorganisms

• Composted, nutrient-rich soil eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers that can contaminate our water

• Healthy soil encourages better root systems, retains water better and stores carbon dioxide 

• Healthy plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis, improving our air quality

• Healthy plants, air, soil and water equal healthy us

• Community composting builds resilient communities

CONSIDER 

• Keeping food scraps out of our trash reduces landfill waste and reduces harmful methane gas

• What do you think compost bins need to produce healthy compost? 

• What do you think it means, “when you add greens, cover with browns?”

• Name two “green” items and two “brown” items you could compost at home.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Create a simple compost in your own backyard

• Or join a compost cooperative in your neighborhood

• Plant a vegetable or native flower garden using composted soil

• Encourage your friends to reduce their food waste and try composting

• Your actions provide you with healthy vegetables, improve air quality, and help keep our water clean