Chicago’s Giving Away a Limited Number of Compost Bins. Here’s How to Request One
If you live in Chicago and have always wanted to try composting, you might be able to get a free backyard compost bin through the city. City residents living in homes with four units or less can fill out an online form to request a free compost bin as part of a giveaway announced Monday by city officials.
Just 5% of America's food waste is composted. Which states are getting it done?
Americans composted about 3.3 million tons of food waste in 2019, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's most recent estimates. That may seem like a lot, but consider that between residential areas, commercial food service, and food retail, Americans generated 66.2 million tons of wasted food in the same year. That means about 5% of the nation's food waste is composted, with the rest ending up in landfills, where food is the most commonly found material. In landfills, food waste decomposes much slower than when composted. Lacking oxygen, it also produces methane, a harmful greenhouse gas.
Tips for Eco-Friendly Gardening
Gardening is a rewarding activity that can also help you contribute to a healthier planet. Eco-friendly gardening practices promote biodiversity, reduce waste, conserve water, and minimize the use of harmful chemicals. Whether you have a small balcony garden or a large backyard, here are some tips to make your gardening more sustainable.