JDJCSET | Conservation Biology Service Learning Poster Session
Composting on Campus
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Conservation Biology
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Wildlife Biology
2nd Student Minor
Statistics
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Howard Whiteman
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Composting is a useful strategy to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil. It creates a circular process where leftover food decomposes into soil that can then be used to grow nutritious fruits or vegetables. Composting is a viable way to address the waste crisis in America and increase the availability of fresh food for those who are food insecure. In a consumer culture where things are thrown out constantly, compost makes the average American rethink where their waste is going and how it can be repurposed.
We have an incredible opportunity to change the significant amount of food waste at Murray State and teach students how they can make something useful out of their scraps. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, almost forty percent of food in America goes to waste instead of going to hungry mouths. In America the highest amount of greenhouse gas emissions come from organic waste decomposing in landfills which produces methane (The World Counts.org). Composting does not produce methane emissions because the organic waste is exposed to oxygen so that it can decompose aerobically. America has a food waste problem that needs to be addressed at multiple levels- including how it is disposed of. Composting creates a culture of regeneration and allows for citizens to rethink where their waste is coming from and going. Creating a site for composting at Clark Residential College would fix this issue along with being an educational opportunity for students. We will be educating students how to correctly compost and implementing a plan for the soil that we get from the compost bin.
Sustainability is an issue that the world should be concerned about since it is something that affects us all. We want to help decrease waste and greenhouse gas emissions in order to help keep this planet beautiful and habitable. This is the first step in creating an efficient compost and garden system at Murray State would help to interweave the critical problems of decreasing food waste, slowing climate change, and creating healthier soil that grows nutritious food.
Fall Scholars Week 2022 Event
Conservation Biology Service Learning Poster Session
Composting on Campus
Composting is a useful strategy to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil. It creates a circular process where leftover food decomposes into soil that can then be used to grow nutritious fruits or vegetables. Composting is a viable way to address the waste crisis in America and increase the availability of fresh food for those who are food insecure. In a consumer culture where things are thrown out constantly, compost makes the average American rethink where their waste is going and how it can be repurposed.
We have an incredible opportunity to change the significant amount of food waste at Murray State and teach students how they can make something useful out of their scraps. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, almost forty percent of food in America goes to waste instead of going to hungry mouths. In America the highest amount of greenhouse gas emissions come from organic waste decomposing in landfills which produces methane (The World Counts.org). Composting does not produce methane emissions because the organic waste is exposed to oxygen so that it can decompose aerobically. America has a food waste problem that needs to be addressed at multiple levels- including how it is disposed of. Composting creates a culture of regeneration and allows for citizens to rethink where their waste is coming from and going. Creating a site for composting at Clark Residential College would fix this issue along with being an educational opportunity for students. We will be educating students how to correctly compost and implementing a plan for the soil that we get from the compost bin.
Sustainability is an issue that the world should be concerned about since it is something that affects us all. We want to help decrease waste and greenhouse gas emissions in order to help keep this planet beautiful and habitable. This is the first step in creating an efficient compost and garden system at Murray State would help to interweave the critical problems of decreasing food waste, slowing climate change, and creating healthier soil that grows nutritious food.