OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD A CULTURE COMPOSTING By bringing together different sectors of the composting eco-system, we hoped “to bring out fresh ideas and new perspectives” to solve problems. Generally, educators talk to other educators and likely can easily identify the need for improved materials—but sometimes they may not pick up on specific needs to educate on issues in policy or infrastructure or what a small waste hauler, government official, or commercial composter might also need to learn. Similarly, policy makers may not be on the cutting edge of research or have a handle on community efforts to make change. Summit attendees were encouraged to identify themselves in breakout groups by name only, to encourage participation as an individual rather than as an expert representative of an industry so a diverse and rich set of opportunities could emerge and be discussed collaboratively.
EDUCATIONAL opportunities were focused on capturing the attention of youth via classroom education on specific topics such as climate change, composting, food waste, and gardening. It was also suggested to make food waste separation in educational institution’s the norm rather than the exception so that "…young people grow up with the practice." Some commentors mentioned the importance of educating school staff and obtaining buy in as a first step in youth education and there should be "funding to hire a dedicated sustainability position in schools!" The need for increased adult education was also recognized by attendees. Suggestions centered on creating a public marketing campaign, making sure materials were available in languages other than English , and focused on specific topics such as compost usage, benefits of compost, how to compost, who’s it for, soil health, and what services are currently available. The conversation around who’s it for prompted comments such as the need for "education state/city wide that dispels notion of composting is only for SOME people" Educational programs could be expanded to include field trips , demonstrations, and build-a-bin-workshops with increased community-based delivery in gardens, libraries, and schools with updated visual materials . Educational efforts could also be developed for the businesses side of composting such as case studies showing models that work and disseminating the idea that composting can create jobs in particular for youth and be an economic development opportunity for communities. A list of comments on Opportunities in Education are displayed in Table 7, Appendix 1.
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