OPINION: Other ways to celebrate Earth Day, like turning trash into treasure

Has been updated: 15 few minutes ago release date: 20 few minutes ago

As Alaskans, our connection to our land is deep and woven into the fabric of our identity and culture. But as we stand on the precipice of environmental change, our commitment to protecting land and water is more important than ever. This Earth Day, heed the call to action by embracing composting and conscious consumption as essential practices to protect Alaska’s unique ecosystems and foster communities.

Alaska’s vast landscape, rich in biodiversity, is both resilient and fragile. From the Brooks Range to our neighborhoods, the choices we make impact the health and vitality of our state, including how we manage our waste and consumption habits.

Composting, in particular, holds great promise for Alaska’s sustainability efforts. In a state where food security is a perennial concern, composting offers a locally-driven solution to increase soil fertility and reduce waste. By diverting organic matter from landfills and turning it into nutrient-rich compost, we not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also enhance food production in our communities. This is especially important in rural areas where access to fresh produce is limited and traditional agricultural practices face increasing challenges from a changing climate.

Composting also aligns perfectly with Alaska’s spirit of self-reliance and resourcefulness. This empowers individuals and communities to take control of their waste streams, turning what is considered ‘garbage’ into a valuable asset. Whether recycling fish remains as garden fertilizer or composting vegetable peels for community gardens, Alaskans have a long tradition of making the most of what nature gives us. The introduction of large-scale composting not only honors this tradition, but also positions Alaska as a leader in sustainable living.

Composting programs are currently in operation throughout the state, including large service providers such as Solid Waste Services in Anchorage and the Future Biosolids Composting Facility in Kodiak. Communities, individuals and businesses are also developing composting solutions on a small scale. Providence Hospital, Alaska Regional Toxicology Initiative, Juneau Compost, Waste Me Note, and the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe have composting programs and resources to help you develop your own program. Heidi Rader, director of the Alaska Food Policy Council, has written a great resource for getting started with composting through her collaboration with UAF. Composting is a great solution to food waste without major hurdles. Those who don’t have the space or time even have the opportunity to participate in communal composting through Alaska Regional Toxic Action.

Our purchasing power can also make a huge difference to the future of our communities and climate. Every purchase we make and every meal we eat has a ripple effect that ripples throughout the ecosystem. By buying from local producers, you can help build a vibrant food economy. By supporting local farmers, you help them adapt to changing climate conditions and continue to grow crops. By encouraging procurement policies that focus on Alaska-grown produce, we can reduce our reliance on food from the Lower 48 and keep our community’s dollars in-state.

For Alaskans, Earth Day is more than just a celebration; it’s a reaffirmation of our commitment to each other and the future we will leave for generations to come. As we come together to commemorate Earth Day, let us pledge to embrace composting and conscious consumption as core tenets of our way of life. Harness the power of these practices to build resilient communities, promote food security, and preserve Alaska’s natural heritage for generations to come.

In the spirit of Earth Day, plant the seeds of sustainability by nourishing your community’s soil with compost and fostering a future of Alaska’s continued beauty and abundance. Together, we can chart a path towards a more sustainable and vibrant future by supporting local farmers, fishermen and value-added producers. And by working on a composting program in our own backyards or as part of a community group, we can ensure that our trash becomes treasure.

leah moss I am a backyard gardener and composter and work as a community communications and outreach director. Alaska Food Policy Council.

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