Institute for Local Self-Reliance reposted this
I had the incredible opportunity to attend the three-day "Cultivating Community Composting 2024 Forum " at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, organized by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR). Thank you to the ILSR team, Brenda Platt, Clarissa Libertelli, Zoe Apisdorf, Sophia Jones, Julia Spector, and Jordan Ashby for putting together such a transformative event and all the volunteers. Also, thanks to the sponsors who provided scholarships, enabling community composters from the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Haiti, and Mexico to join. Over these three days, I had the privilege of meeting passionate community composters, hearing their inspiring stories, and sharing my knowledge. We visited Rid All Greenpartnership Farms and Squire Valleevue Farm at Case Western Reserve University, both great examples of closed-loop systems, providing fresh produce to local communities while turning massive compost piles. A special shoutout to Rust Belt Riders, who set a fantastic example of how bridging the gap to close the loop is building community and having fun while doing it. I returned home with ideas and joy after connecting with such beautiful and inspiring people. A key takeaway? To keep FBI (Fungus, Bacteria, Insects) happy, compost organic material and let them thrive! I'm looking forward to applying what I have learned in my work. 🌱 #CommunityComposting #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #CCC24