Zahir Nelson

Every April, Earth Month, and Earth Day specifically, reminds us to take action for a healthier planet. Many people have the
right idea on reducing waste by not littering and attempting to recycle, but there are some aspects of waste reduction
that are overlooked. That being composting and how to properly recycle. Learning how to manage waste properly can make a huge impact on our environment. Food scraps and waste make up a large portion of landfill waste. When organic waste decomposes in landfills, methane, a powerful
greenhouse gas, is generated and then harms the Earth’s atmosphere as it absorbs and traps heat. That’s where composting comes in. Composting helps by turning waste into nutrient-rich soil, which can be used to improve gardens, like our iPrep garden, and farms.

Items such as fruit peels, coffee grounds, and vegetable scraps are all waste that are great for composting, while meat, dairy and oily foods should be avoided. Many communities now offer composting programs, but even a small compost bin at home can make a big difference in reducing
waste. As of today, April 1st 2025, New York City has mandated composting for its residents and will charge a $25 fine if found that food scraps were not separated from the trash and placed into the respective compost bin. Recycling is an essential practice, but it only works when done correctly. Recycling contamination occurs when non-recyclable or dirty items are mixed with recyclables, causing entire batches to be sent to landfills instead of being processed.

Common contaminants include greasy pizza boxes, plastic bags, food-soiled containers, and items that don’t belong in curbside bins. To recycle properly, it’s important to rinse out food containers, avoid “wishcycling” (throwing in items and hoping that they are recyclable), and check local recycling guidelines. This Earth Month, small steps can lead to big changes. By composting food waste and being mindful of what we recycle, we can reduce landfill waste, lower pollution, and help protect the environment for future generations. Taking just a few minutes to compost properly or check recycling rules can make a significant impact. Every action counts-let’s work together to make the planet a cleaner,
healthier place.