Composting is a natural process that encourages and speeds up the decomposition of food scraps and plant matter. Composting, whether in a counter top bin, outdoor set up, or large facility creates the perfect environment for decomposers, including fungi, bacteria, and worms. The decomposed organic matter can then be used to create nutrient rich soil to support the growth of plants and crops in gardens or farms.

Diverting food waste from the landfill is essential for a more sustainable future and it starts with composting. Every year 40% of food produced, processed, and transported in the U.S. is wasted and ends up in our landfills (USDA). It is extremely costly to process and grow food that is not even consumed, and it is even more costly to have to process that food waste in landfills. Composting is essential in diverting food waste from landfills and transforming food waste into a natural fertilizer and soil amendment.

Innovative companies are working towards a solution to making composting more approachable and accessible. Mill has produced a food recycler that makes composting easy, eliminates the odor of decomposing food waste, and creates nutrient-rich grounds for your garden. The Mill recycler grinds and dries food scraps, turning them into a powder that can then be used as a soil amendment. NUScent hopes to contribute to innovative composting solutions, making composting feel a little less burdensome.

The United States produces 60 million tonnes of food waste every year, more than any nation in the world (Recycle Track Systems). In individual terms each person contributes to approximately 325 pounds of food waste per person. The EU does not fall far behind in their contribution to food waste, generating over 58 million tonnes of food waste, equating to 288 pounds of food waste per person (European Commission). There needs to be serious action taken by individuals, the food industry, and the governments to reduce food waste on a global scale if we want a more sustainable future.

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“Food Waste - European Commission.” Food Safety - European Commission, https://food.ec.europa.eu/safety/food-waste_en. Accessed 21 September 2024.

“Food Waste in America in 2024: Statistics & Facts.” RTS, https://www.rts.com/resources/guides/food-waste-america/ . Accessed 21 September 2024.

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How the world can cut food loss and waste in half. Environmental Sustainability. (2024, July 22). https://www.nerc.org/how-the-world-can-cut-food-loss-and-waste-in-half

Ross, Rachel. “The Science Behind Composting.” Live Science, 12 September 2018, https://www.livescience.com/63559-composting.html . Accessed 21 September 2024.