It’s a worldwide phenomenon – Compost Awareness — and thank goodness for that! The first week in May is Composting Awareness Week each year – a time to educate the community about composting and its benefits to the environment. This year’s theme is Compost — the Soil and Water Connection.
“Compost is produced from the recycling of organic materials to create a valuable soil amendment. When incorporated into soil, it provides plants with essential nutrients, protects against the threat of erosion, and increases soil health without the use of chemicals. It also reduces water pollution.” (United States Composting Council – USCC, the governing organization that sets the standard for compost testing.)
The Benefits – Composting:
- Reduces landfill waste
- Creates nutrient rich soil for growing
- Reduces greenhouse emissions
- Fertilizes soil
- Reduces soil acidity
- Reduces need for excessive watering
- Inhibits weed growth
And much more! Here are some of the local events in support of Compost Awareness Week:
Monday, May 4 through Friday, May 8
- Daily giveaways of Earth Machine compost bins and home composting assessments. Enter to win at OSU Extension Service office, 950 W. 13th Ave., Eugene, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. One winner per day day, May 4-7. Visit the office or e-mail specialist@oregonstate.edu.
- Backyard compost demonstrations at River House, 301 N. Adams in Eugene, Monday and Thursday, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day
- Worm-bin tours at the Atrium building in downtown Eugene at 3 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. Friday. Call 682-5542.
Wondering what you can do aside from these events to contribute to the worldwide effort to compost for a better world?
- Buy a compost bin or build one yourself
- Use recycled paper products
- Store foods in reusable containers as much as possible
- Involve your kids
- Volunteer for local organizations like Friends of Trees
- Frequent businesses that take composting and recycling seriously
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