By Andi Anderson
Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Forced Air Compost Facility will receive the prestigious 'We Compost Award' from the Illinois Food Scrap and Composting Coalition.
The award ceremony, along with facility tours, will take place on March 6 from 2-3 p.m. at the University Farms facility in Carbondale. The event is free and open to the public, though attendees are encouraged to register online.
The We Compost Award recognizes SIU’s commitment to sustainable composting practices. University Farms and the Jackson County Health Department jointly submitted the application, highlighting the facility’s achievements in food waste composting.
As a result, SIU’s composting program has been added to the We Compost Recognition Program’s Green Level Partner community.
Established in 2014, the Forced Air Compost Facility was developed to promote sustainability on campus. The project was funded through the student-supported Green Fund, with additional support from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
The facility processes tons of food waste from SIU dining halls, using an aerated static pile composting method. The resulting compost enriches the university’s farm vegetable and grain fields by improving soil health and adding organic nutrients.
The award presentation and facility tour will be held in partnership with the Illinois Stewardship Alliance during Illinois Soil Health Week. The event highlights SIU’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainable agricultural practices while reducing food waste.
Community members, students, and sustainability advocates are invited to attend and learn more about the benefits of composting.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: Illinois, Sustainable Agriculture