Living in the mountains of WNC we have been lucky enough learn about nature, gardening, and community projects in school as well as at home. From a young age we have learned from parents who have traveled and explored our beautiful range of mountains the importance of protecting our one earth, and our local communities. Which came with having simple food waste reduction systems in our own homes, where we have watched first hand how excess energy from food waste can be recycled and put right into our own back yards. This is part of what sparked our interest in making a change for our town, but it also comes from getting older and starting to work in food industry where we also watch first hand the sad reality of how much waste is produced by food service industry that could easily be repurposed.

This extraordinary process we like to call composting is the biological, aerobic (oxygen required) decomposition of organic materials by microorganisms. Carbon based materials (like grass clippings, food scraps, leaves, yard trimmings, and certain animal manure) are broken down by critters and organisms (bacteria, fungi, insects, larvae, earthworms, etc.) and the outcome is a beautiful, nutrient rich soil (often referred to as “black gold”) to support healthy plant growth in vegetable and flower gardens. 

So, why should we compost? When carbon based materials are not composted they usually end up in the landfill, of which is about 24% food waste (that’s more than any other materials in our landfills). While the waste is in the landfill microbes start to decompose it anaerobically, which releases methane gas and carbon dioxide. These harmful greenhouse gasses make up almost 100% of total landfill gas and are responsible for global temperature increase. When we take action and compost our organic waste instead the material is able to safely decompose without risking harmful gas release and keeps our planet cool and healthy for all Mother Nature’s wondrous life creations.

Composting is known for its environmental benefits; However, it also comes with benefits to our economy and society. Economically, creating community composting systems sustains more jobs on a per-ton bases than any landfill or incineration jobs, as well as creating new “green jobs” and contributing to small businesses. As the compost is used for local agriculture the dollars stay local and a resilient local food system is built. Socially, the local community environment encourages engagement and empowerment for community to work together and get outside (especially for youth). This includes providing job training and volunteering opportunities, filling service access gaps. As well as creating more green spaces, educational sites, room to grow local food, and addressing small town food insecurity. 

By signing this petition, you help to support two 16 year old girls in getting thier idea heard and implemented. We’re on a mission to create a system for community composting and mandates in the food service industries in Black Mountain NC. This will help reduce food waste and greenhouse gasses, bring community together, create more education and jobs surrounding green spaces, and overall improve our community. Thank you for your support, it helps more than you know!