Suppose you’ve tuned into virtually any news channel lately. In that case, you’d probably think we’re just a few unrecycled cardboard boxes away from Armageddon. While many might feel frustrated by all the doom and gloom, throwing their hands up and claiming there’s nothing we can do to fix the problem, you know that inaction will only make things worse.
So you’re trying to find ways to reduce your carbon footprint and make your routine more eco-friendly. You’re driving less, you’re conserving water, and now you’re looking for the best ways to dispose of your waste — organic waste, more specifically. Things like food, leaves, yard trimmings, and non-hazardous wood.
Backyard composting and organics recycling are the two most common methods; and they’re both great for the environment. In fact, many people think they’re the same thing. But while they’re both similar in theory, there are a few key differences.
What people don’t fully understand is that backyard composting is just one type of organic waste recycling.
Let’s review the variations:
Source Reduction
This is all about considering the difference between how much food we actually need and the amount of food we think we need. While we, as consumers, can try to scale back on our food waste by only purchasing the foods we know we’ll consume, part of the responsibility rests on the shoulders of restaurants and other organizations.
They all should modify their menus and clean up the practice of ordering more inventory than necessary.
Feed the Hungry
We all toss so much unused and perfectly edible food in the trash. It’s almost like a habitual at that we don’t even think about: leftover food that no one wants goes in the garbage bin or down the disposal. Instead, we should consider partnering with local food banks and food rescue programs to help feed those in need.
When we say “hungry,” we don’t just mean people. Partnering with farms or annual shelters to feed animals is also a great way to recycle organic waste. But there is a catch. State regulations that limit what you can and cannot donate may make this more difficult than you’d like.
Backyard Composting
Backyard composting is the natural process of organic matter (like a banana peel) returning to the earth; Mother Nature perfected this over a thousand years ago, so now we all just need to take notes and follow her lead. It’s super simple, inexpensive, and considered one of the only truly circular waste disposal methods. This improves soil and water quality while helping grow the next generation of crops.
Organic Recycling vs. Backyard Composting
When it comes to organic recycling, there’s a bit of a hierarchy. The options listed above are top-tier methods for waste disposal. Public health officials recommend using these before pursuing other options like incineration or landfills.
At Aspen Waste, we’re all about doing what we can to educate the community on the best ways to dispose of all types of waste.
Visit us to learn the difference between organic recycling and backyard composting.