OPINION: Making trash into treasure and other ways to celebrate Earth Day

As Alaskans, our connection to the land runs deep, woven into the fabric of our identity and culture. Yet, as we stand on the precipice of environmental change, our commitment to preserving our lands and waters has never been more crucial. This Earth Day, let us heed the call to action by embracing composting and conscious consumption as indispensable practices for safeguarding Alaska’s unique ecosystems and nurturing our communities.

Alaska’s vast landscapes, teeming with biodiversity, are both resilient and fragile. From the Brooks Range to our local neighborhoods, our choices impact the health and vitality of our state, including how we manage our waste and consumption habits.

Composting, in particular, holds immense promise for Alaska’s sustainability efforts. In a state where food security is a perennial concern, composting offers a locally-driven solution to enriching soil fertility and reducing waste. By diverting organic matter from landfills and turning it into nutrient-rich compost, we not only mitigate greenhouse gas emissions but also enhance food production in our communities. This is especially vital in rural areas where access to fresh produce is limited, and traditional agricultural practices face growing challenges from a changing climate.

Composting also aligns perfectly with Alaska’s ethos of self-reliance and resourcefulness. It empowers individuals and communities to take control of their waste streams, turning what might be seen as “garbage” into a valuable asset. Whether recycling fish scraps for garden fertilizer or composting vegetable peelings for community gardens, Alaskans have a long tradition of making the most of what nature provides. Embracing composting on a larger scale not only honors this tradition but also positions Alaska as a leader in sustainable living.

There are currently composting programs in points across the state including large-scale service providers like Anchorage’s Solid Waste Services and Kodiak’s Future Biosolids Composting Facility. Local communities, individuals and businesses are also developing composting solutions on a smaller scale. Providence Hospital, Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Juneau Compost, Waste Me Naught, and the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe either have compost programs or resources to support developing your own program. Our own Alaska Food Policy Council Board Member Heidi Rader authored an incredible resource for getting started with composting through her work with UAF. Composting is a great solution to food waste without being a huge hurdle. There are even opportunities for people without the space or time to participate in communal composting through Alaska Community Action on Toxics.

Our purchasing power also can make a huge difference for our communities and our climate future. Every purchase we make, and every meal we eat, has ripple effects that reverberate throughout the ecosystem. By buying from local producers, we can help build a vibrant food economy. By supporting local farmers we can help them adapt to the changing climate landscape and continue to grow produce. By encouraging procurement policy focused on Alaska Grown produce, we can become less dependent on food from the Lower 48 and keep our community dollars within our state.

For Alaskans, Earth Day is not just a celebration, but a reaffirmation of our commitment to each other and what kind of future we are leaving for generations to come. As we gather to commemorate Earth Day, let us pledge to embrace composting and conscious consumption as central tenets of our way of life. Let us harness the power of these practices to build resilient communities, promote food security, and preserve Alaska’s natural heritage for generations to come.

In the spirit of Earth Day, let us sow the seeds of sustainability, nourishing the soil of our communities with compost and cultivating a future where Alaska’s beauty and bounty endure. Together, we can chart a course toward a more sustainable and vibrant future by supporting local farmers, fishermen, and value-added producers. And by committing to composting programs either in our own backyards or as part of a community group, we can ensure our trash becomes treasure.

Leah Moss is a backyard gardener and composter and works as the communications and outreach director for the Alaska Food Policy Council.

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