Governor Proclaims International Compost Awareness Week 2023

WHEREAS, composting is a way of returning organic resources to the soil and is a way of conserving water during extreme drought or flooding conditions, reducing water consumption and non-point pollution; it is also a proven method for decreasing the dependence on chemical fertilizers and decreasing erosion; and

WHEREAS, composting is an effective form of waste reduction, reuse, and recycling; since organic materials make up approximately 30 percent of the material going to landfills, composting reduces North Carolina’s dependence on landfill disposal; and

WHEREAS, materials such as yard trimmings, vegetable cuttings, food scraps, biosolids, manure, and hay shavings have all been composted and converted into a beneficial product known as compost; and

WHEREAS, communities, through their local governments, highway departments, soil conservation service and extension offices, and public works professionals, can have significant impact on clean water, soil, climate change, and landfill diversion by using compost for public works projects; and

WHEREAS, composting creates local green jobs and infrastructure for cities across the state who implement composting programs; and

WHEREAS, the Compost Research & Education Foundation, along with Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and other countries have declared that the first full week of May be annually recognized as International Compost Awareness Week; and

WHEREAS, International Compost Awareness Week is a publicity and education initiative to showcase compost production and demonstrate compost use across North Carolina, and;

WHEREAS, this year’s theme, “For Healthier Soil, Healthier Food…Compost!” focuses on how compost can have a role in helping feed the world; recycling organics into compost creates healthy soils that produce healthier food and higher yields, reduces the need for fertilizer and pesticides, improves water quality, conserves water, and ultimately creates a more just and sustainable world;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 7 – 13, 2023, as “INTERNATIONAL COMPOST AWARENESS WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.