Compost-Curious?
International Compost Awareness Week is May 5–11
Are you compost-curious? Or maybe you’re a diehard composting enthusiast?
The Illinois Food Scrap & Composting Coalition (IFSCC) is proudly joining individuals around the world to celebrate International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW), May 5–11.
This will be a week full of fun and informative events. The lineup aims to feature the myriad of benefits composting offers, including a focus of this year’s theme: COMPOST…Nature’s Climate Champion!
Everyone is welcome to join. The IFSCC is seeking to advertise compost awareness events organized by farmers, growers, teachers, businesses, institutions, or any compost aficionados. Example events have been library programs, community garden and farm tours, on-site demos, trivia competitions, schoolyard fun, BYO Container events, Compost & Cocktails, and more.
Here’s how you can help: Contact your local library, or organize an event
Please share the IFSCC’s How-To Guide with your local library staff and encourage them to set up a book display to educate the public during International Compost Awareness Week. You could also organize a storytime during that week to teach kids about soil health and climate change. Libraries may also be interested in the online Compost Café programming taking place on May 9, when the IFSCC will livestream presentations by experts.
Or you can get creative and organize your own event! For inspiration, view a compilation of last year’s Adventures in Composting. Take a listen to recordings from 2023’s Legislative Lunch & Learn and International Café. The IFSCC will advertise whatever compost celebration you come up with. If you organize a storytime or event, submit this form with event details by April 10.
In the meantime, every day is a great day to start composting. Chicago now has a free food scrap drop-off program, you can contract with a pickup service, and if you live in a multi-family building, you can have a fantastic climate impact by organizing to initiate a building-wide composting program.
Email IFSCC Administrative Coordinator and LWV Chicago Member Amy Bartucci at illinoiscomposts@gmail.com to receive more information about ICAW or join the IFSCC monthly meeting reminder and action alert lists.
And join the Environmental Action Committee the third Monday of every month to learn more, or email us at environment@lwvchicago.org.