Every year after Halloween, more than 1 billion pounds of pumpkins end up in United States landfills. This year, Detroit Mercy students are taking charge. On Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m., bring your pumpkins to Parking Lot E on the McNichols Campus for a compost drive. By donating your carved pumpkins to this project, you will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfills and help generate nutrient-rich soil for urban gardens in Detroit.
“Food waste, including pumpkins, produces huge amounts of methane, which contributes to climate change,” said Campus Kitchen Program Manager Clara Gamalski. “By composting pumpkins instead of throwing them away, you are not putting them in landfill. By mixing organic matter with carbon and letting it breakdown naturally, methane is not produced at the same levels.
Cider, donuts, cornhole and more information about food waste will be provided. This drive is open to everyone and anyone looking to make a difference. Detroit Mercy’s Campus Kitchen, in partnership with Detroit non-profit Make Food Not Waste, is sponsoring the event.
“If all of our food waste globally was composted, it would be the same as taking 16 million cars off the road each year. It also reduces the need for synthetic fertilizer and contributes to long-term soil health.”
