Reduce, reuse, recycle—this mantra has been repeated to us since we were old enough to bring our own lunches to school. And while recycling has often been harolded as the environmentally-friendly alternative to sending waste to a landfill, only 6.8 percent of plastics that are put in the recycling bin are actually able to be recycled. So next time you’re reaching for the zip-lock plastic baggie to stick your snacks in, grab a compostable paper bag, or some beeswax wrap, instead.
The truth is, composting is much better at diverting waste from landfills than recycling whatever waste you happen to accumulate. Composting is the process of decomposing organic materials, which make up ⅓ of our waste. This means that by composting, we could drastically reduce the size of our landfills, which are the largest producer of the harmful methane emissions in the United States.
Ever wanted to start composting, but felt overwhelmed at the idea of adding another bin to your cleaning routine? BUST’s Zero Waste event, featuring Common Ground Compost, has you covered. Their founder, Laura Rosenshine will be talking trash (literally) at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 13th, dispelling myths and answering questions on how waste works in NYC, how to source-separate organics, and the importance of composting. Common Ground Compost is an NYC community-based organization that works with schools, businesses, community gardens and more, to improve their recycling and composting facilities, supporting health and sustainability in our urban community.
Tickets for BUST’s Zero Waste event can be purchased in advance here, for $15, or for $20 at the door. Tickets include admission to all talks, panels, demos, performances, as well as a book and clothing swap, and the Zero Wasted dance party! We’re also including a 1-year BUST digital subscription with each purchase, so grab a ticket fast!
More from BUST
Zero Waste Talks: Cassia Patel On How To Live In Harmony With Our Ocean
Zero Waste Talks: Corinne Leporfido Teaches Minimalism For Maximalists
Zero Waste Crafting: BUST’s Debbie Stoller Teaches Macramé Basics
