Chicago City Wire

In the world of gardening, a rich black soil additive made from food waste is often referred to as 'black gold'. This valuable substance has the power to dramatically improve soil health, making it a vital component for small home gardens or large community gardens. The process of creating this black gold is known as composting, which involves the biological decomposition of organic matter. While composting occurs naturally, industrial composting facilities have the ability to accelerate the process on a larger scale, making it an economically-friendly method to enhance garden performance.

"Composting occurs naturally, but the process can be accelerated, and it is an economically-friendly method to improve the performance of gardens of all sizes," says a spokesperson from the gardening industry.

These large-scale composting facilities are equipped to handle a high volume of organic waste, including food scraps, yard and garden trimmings, food-soiled paper products, and biosolids. Unlike home composting methods, these facilities have specialized equipment that can break down waste efficiently, overcoming challenges such as foul smells and hungry outdoor pests that may impede the process.

One company that embraces the concept of recycling food waste is Libby's, famous for its pumpkin products. In addition to reusing water and supporting pollinators, Libby's has found a way to recycle parts of the pumpkin that don't make it into the can. "These pumpkin rinds and stems serve as great fertilizer and are sent to local farmers to help boost the nutrient composition in the soil," explains a representative from Libby's. These pumpkin remnants can also be used to make compost, further contributing to sustainable agriculture.

Another approach to reducing food waste is through a process called upcycling. Del Monte Foods, Inc. has taken the lead in the upcycled food movement by partnering with the Upcycled Food Association (UFA). The UFA is the world's only third-party certification program for upcycled food ingredients and products. Del Monte Blue Lake Green Beans, for example, are made using 100 percent upcycled and sustainably grown green beans from Illinois and Wisconsin. Additionally, Del Monte has collaborated with the UFA to produce fruit infusion products by redirecting excess pineapple juice that would otherwise go to waste.

The importance of healthy soils cannot be overstated. They are a living mixture of minerals, microbes, organic matter, water, and air. Unhealthy soils, on the other hand, may lack essential microbes and organic material, making them less active and less beneficial for plant growth. These poor soils struggle to retain water and fail to decompose organic material into usable building blocks for new growth.

To create good compost, a mixture of green plant waste (such as vegetable peels) and brown organic matter (like soil or manure) is essential. Over the following weeks and months, microbes work their magic, transforming the mix into compost that closely resembles soil. When gardeners incorporate this compost into their soil, the organic matter acts as a sponge for water and a reservoir for crucial nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, and micronutrients that plants need to thrive.

While home composting is an option, it often requires significant time, maintenance, and resources that not all aspiring gardeners can afford. It also demands access to space and a friendly environment that can produce odors and attract pests. This is where industrial composting companies and municipal composting programs play a crucial role. These entities can accept waste from restaurants, schools, businesses, and residents, helping communities save money by diverting food waste from landfills. Moreover, composting promotes sustainability by reducing emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas produced when waste breaks down in landfills without oxygen. Additionally, composting can regenerate soil, revitalize water sources, and provide food security for communities.

In conclusion, industrial composting facilities and composting programs are transforming food waste into 'black gold', a valuable soil additive that enhances the health and productivity of gardens. Through innovative initiatives like recycling pumpkin remnants and upcycling excess food, companies like Libby's and Del Monte are leading the way in reducing food waste and promoting sustainable practices. The benefits of composting extend beyond the garden, as it also contributes to environmental sustainability and community well-being. With these efforts, the power of composting is helping to create a greener future for all.

To learn more, click on this link: https://repstephens.com/2023/10/26/how-industrial-composters-turn-food-waste-into-black-gold/