More ways to help the planet

Feed the Planet

The Compost Cycle

Much of the food we toss into the garbage bin goes right into a landfill. It gets buried under other garbage and produces methane, which is very hazardous for our environment – bad greenhouse gases for the ozone layer. So, a much better solution would be to recycle your food by composting. Here are groups which can do the dirty work for you if you don’t have the time, know how or patience for composting:

• Famer’s Market – many local farmers’ markets will collect food scraps and some sell it back to you in the form of “black gold” – nutrient rich fertilizer.

• Grocers – some grocery stores such as Weis Markets are experimenting with programs for their stores

• Community Gardens – many shared gardens collect food scraps, but even if your doesn’t it may still be willing to take your leftovers.

• Local Green Groups – organizations such as Compost Cab in Washington, D.C. will collect your scraps and deliver them to farms.

 

Another growing trend is to literally grow ~ more green spaces.  In a movement that is gaining popularity in suburban areas – Roof Top Gardens. Over 600 roof top gardens are completed or being created in cities like Chicago, New York, LA and more. Roof Top Gardens help to mitigate storm-water runoff, absorb toxins from the air, and provide natural insulation. Even some universities are adopting this rooftop garden to help with the overall aesthetic of campus buildings and a source of green ingenuity.