International Compost Awareness Week has come to an end and we’re feeling hyped to reach a milestone this year: We have been composting food scraps at our Chicago location for almost 5 years!
Every week, four to five 32-gallon lined totes are picked up from Alice & Friends’ three locations. These are then processed by Collective Resource Compost.
When we first started learning about composting food scraps, we realized this process could significantly decrease food waste in landfills. This is important to us because as a restaurant serving 100% plant-based food, we process large amounts of fresh ingredients every day.
Many of the best nitrogen-rich vegetable scraps for soil come right here from our menu: potato peels, carrot shavings, lettuce cores, and celery ends.
How is Composting Food Scraps Beneficial?
Food waste is one of the largest components of landfill trash in the United States. When food scraps go to a landfill, they produce methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. Composting helps by reducing methane emissions from landfills and returning nutrients to depleted soil. We can all contribute to creating healthier ecosystems by turning food scraps into healthy soil. Improving the quality of soil helps gardens, parks, and urban farms thrive.
What is the Cost of Composting?
If you don’t use food scraps in a home garden, there are free drop-offs that make composting more accessible than ever, especially in the City of Chicago. Residents in Edgewater can participate in Chicago’s free food scrap drop-off program, making it easier for apartment dwellers and households without backyard compost bins to keep organic waste out of landfills.
According to the 48th Ward office, the site is scheduled to move to the Edgewater Library parking lot at 6000 N. Broadway this year. Chicago residents can sign up for the city’s composting program online and use any participating drop-off location across the city for free.
Glenview, IL Free Compost Program
Our second restaurant location is in Glenview, IL where residents also have access to a free compost program. Last year, local community group Greener Glenview was the recipient of the Judy Beck Grant for $2,300. With the grant, they created a free public food scraps composting pilot program.
The initiative currently has two drop-off stations:
– Glenview Public Library (1930 Glenview Road) drive-up entrance at Prairie Street
– Public Works Service Center (2498 East Lake Ave.) across the street from Village Hall
“The goals for the pilot program are to divert food waste from landfills, educate residents about composting and demonstrate community support for a composting program.” _ The Village of Glenview website
Oak Park, IL CompostAble Program
Our third Alice & Friends restaurant location is at 104 N Marion St, Oak Park, IL 60301 in the downtown area. The Village of Oak Park has the CompostAble Program, which aims to decrease the amount of organic waste sent to landfills. While this program is not free, signing up for their 12-month service gives you three free months, reducing the annual cost by $48.93. Less than a Netflix subscription per month!
Additionally, the program allows its residents to share this service with a neighbor. This is a great option if you want to help someone or share the service cost. When filling out the application, add your neighbor’s address. The cost of the compost cart will be split in half and billed to each participating neighbor.
Good Habits that can Have a Lifetime Effect
Composting is one of the most impactful environmental habits. The theme for this year’s Compost Awareness Week was “Compost!” Feed the Soil that Feeds Us.” And is a powerful reminder that our role is small compared to the vital role compost plays in sustaining life on Earth.
If you are ready to start learning about composting, the Illinois Food Scrap & Composting Coalition (IFSC) regularly schedules events and provides resources. Get started and don’t forget to share these resources with neighbors and friends!
Additional resources:
The Eco Flamingo, 4750 N. Rockwell St, Chicago IL, 60625 2.9 miles from Alice and friends Year Round Drop-off location