CooldownGeneral

Composting

Composting is the act of collecting and storing plant matter whereby it can decay and be added to soil to improve its quality. When organic matter like plants and fungi decompose, their waste all becomes food in the forest. However, when this waste is buried in landfills from cities, organic waste becomes methane, a greenhouse gas. Composting is a solution for this issue of methane being released from the food and plant matter put in landfills.

Illustrated compost bin with fruit scraps and yard waste breaking down into rich dark soil
Illustration from the Climate Cooldown board game.

In the game

In the game Climate Cooldown, "Composting" is a Cooldown card which helps cool down the planet by reducing the impact of food waste by allowing our organic waste to break down naturally and improving the health of the soil.

Prospective degrees

Environmental ScienceSustainable Agriculture

Careers

Organic farmerCommunity supported agriculturalistFarmer's market jobsComposting facility managerOrganic waste management consultant

For the classroom

Discussion prompts by grade level

  • What is composting and how does it help the environment?
  • Can you think of any household items that can be composted?

Connects to

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals