We recommend that the Fulton Street Farmers Market allocates a location off-site where any food waste from the market, vendors, and community members, can be sent to go through the process of composting. This off-site system would consist of a set of large composting bins or a composting pile and a storage structure to store back stock composting equipment. Experts assert that nitrogen-rich organic material (like fruit and vegetable waste), carbon-rich material (yard waste), moisture, and air are the only required components for successful composting (Abney 1). Equipment would be required to collect the waste material and store it during transportation. Aeration materials, such as rakes or compost turners, would also be needed to ensure proper oxygenation of the compost once on site. Water access would be helpful to ensure proper moisture content in the compost.

One of the greatest sources of plastic waste is from plastic containers and packaging. Thus, one way to reduce plastic waste is to embrace the use of reusable and biodegradable bags. Another important initiative is to create a recycling program. When it comes to the use of bags, reusable bags made from cotton are a great option. Cotton produce bags typically include a drawstring and a flat bottom. The material is breathable and able to be washed, which makes it a strong candidate to be used as a method to transport produce. Another option is the collection of pre-existing plastic bags, which could be collected at Fulton Street Market to be used and then returned, making sure they do not prematurely enter the landfill. In order to prevent additional waste, a recycling program at Fulton Street Market would give the opportunity for community members to bring in their recyclable materials at the end of their life, instead of throwing them away. Not only does recycling prevent the creation of waste, but it allows for resources to be reused and can create local jobs.

The goal of this part of our project is to better inform our communities on sustainable living and improving our environment. It is important to get the word out and have a spreading web of awareness, where people can inform one another about the environment and take steps to work towards a better future. It is very important to inform our community members on the importance of stepping up to make the correct decisions and actions in creating a healthy and strong environment to live in. The end goal would be to implement programs, classes, and informational pamphlets throughout the Gleaning Project and the Fulton Street market. More specifically, the talks would be centered around actions you can take at home or in the community such as carpooling when possible, recycling, composting, eating less meats, flying less, lowering your thermostat by a few degrees, reducing energy and water consumption, using energy efficient light bulbs, and planting more trees/native plants.

The informational posters will have QR codes, where information can be update so less paper waste is generated. A composting workshop including beginner composting materials may also be initiated, depending on budget, that would allow community members to learn about how composting works and more details about how the Fulton Street Farmers Market composting site would run. By doing so you will reduce your own personal carbon footprint and by informing others and persuading them to help along with you will reduce their carbon footprint, hopefully leading to an overall reduction in greenhouse gasses globally.

Through our research, we concluded that all three of our sustainable solutions will have rippling benefits throughout the environment and community.

As organic matter, food waste will decompose and release methane into the atmosphere if tossed into landfills. One mitigation strategy that the EPA advises to combat food waste methane emissions is composting (EPA 1). In addition reduced methane emissions and landfill fees, compost reduces and sometimes eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers, which both cost more and pollute the watershed. It can also remediate contaminated soils. Other benefits include increased water retention and carbon sequestration. Microbes within the soil take in carbon as they participate in photosynthesis. Compost reduces soil crusting and opens the material up for increased water retention (EPA 1).

According to Plastics: Material-Specific Data, the amount of global total plastic waste added up to 35.7 million tons in 2018 (EPA). Plastic containers and packaging made up 14.5 billion tons of this waste (Plastics: Material-Specific Data, 2022). It is impossible for plastic to fully break down in the environment. Instead, it deteriorates into smaller plastic particles called microplastics. These pose a serious hazard to both the environment and human health, as the microplastics can infiltrate human and animal bodies, and contains a phthalate called DEHP, which is a human carcinogen (Environmental Health News). Not only does recycling prevent more plastic from being released into the environment, but it can also support the local economy. For example, the incineration of 10,000 tons of waste is sufficient to create one job, as compared to the six jobs that would be created by landfilling the same amount. Therefore, the recycling of 10,000 tons of waste will create 36 jobs for local people (Environmental Programs Benefits of Recycling).