There are times when the scale of climate change can be overwhelming, and it might seem like the efforts of one individual or family are insignificant. However, the reduction or elimination of food waste is a tangible, meaningful, and straightforward process that can have a significant positive environmental impact. Here's what I've done to reduce waste in my home. Before shopping, I plan what I need and what meals I'll prepare for the week. I've started buying smaller quantities of fruits and vegetables, which used to be the biggest source of waste for my family. Remember, every small step counts and can make a difference.

Most importantly, I've made it a weekly routine to take my food scraps to the transfer station for composting. I've been pleasantly surprised by the significant reduction in trash resulting from composting. I've gone from using 4-5 trash bags a week to just 1-2. It's been a remarkable change! When you compost your food scraps, you're not only reducing waste but also returning nutrients to the soil, instead of wasting energy trying to burn food and producing greenhouse gases. The food scrap recycling program at the Darien Transfer Station accepts a wide range of items, including meat, bones, coffee grounds, eggshells, tea bags, cut flowers, and more! I encourage you to give food scrap recycling a try. It's a simple step that feels great and puts your family on a path to a greener, more sustainable future.