JMU Green Team Tip o' the Week: Try Composting

From: JMU Green Team

Your Trash is Treasure for Trees!

In the U.S. we produce 1,609 pounds of trash per person per year, more than any other country. In other words, 5% of the world's people generate 40% of the world's waste. On average, it costs us $30 per ton to recycle trash, $50 to send it to the landfill, and $65 to $75 to incinerate it.

Composting recycles your decaying organic waste to create fertilizer and nutritious soil. Every year, each American throws out about 1,200 pounds of organic garbage that could be composted. Types of things you can throw in the compost are veggies, fruit peelings, used teabags, vacuum dust, shredded newspapers, pet bedding, and garden waste.

Universities such as Youngston State, Ohio, and Iowa have all initiated successful compost programs that have helped reduce dining hall, facility, and student waste to be sent off to landfills. Help reduce waste in your local area!

The "Green Team" is presenting a Tip o' the Week to promote efficient energy use and a smaller environmental footprint for James Madison University. We ask for your support in encouraging and assisting JMU to be more "green" everyday.

Upcoming Green Team events include the 2nd annual EcoSymposium on March 25th and "No-Drive Day" on April 2nd.

Please feel free to contact the Clean Energy Coalition (“Green Team”) with any questions you might have or even more tips on how to get involved in "greening" JMU.

Clean Energy Coalition Website:
http://www.jmugreenteam.com

Contact: Ryan Powanda @ powandrm@jmu.edu

Stay Green!