Why It Matters

Every year, millions of pounds of food are thrown away in the U.S. — most of it ends up in landfills, where it produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change.

At Changes Compost, we believe there's a better way.

Composting is a simple, powerful action that transforms food scraps into healthy soil — reducing harmful emissions, rebuilding our local ecosystems, and supporting community gardens and farms right here in southeastern Connecticut.

Food Waste Facts

  • 30–40% of the U.S. food supply is wasted every year — that’s over 130 billion pounds of food.

  • Food is the #1 item in landfills — not plastic, not diapers — food.

  • When food rots in landfills, it emits methane, a greenhouse gas 28 times stronger than CO₂.

  • Wasted food in the U.S. uses up:

    • 21% of fresh water

    • 18% of cropland

    • 19% of fertilizer

  • Most Americans can't compost due to limited infrastructure.

  • Landfills release toxic gases that pollute air and water, raising risks of asthma, illness, and cancer for nearby communities.

  • We’ve lost 33% of the world’s farmable soil — and it takes 1,000 years to form just 1 inch of topsoil.

Here's Why Composting Matters:

  • Fights Climate Change

    Organic waste in landfills produces methane — composting prevents this by returning nutrients safely to the soil.

  • Improves Local Soil Health

    Compost enriches the soil, increases its ability to retain water, and supports healthier plants and food systems.

  • Reduces Landfill Waste

    Up to 30% of household waste can be composted — freeing up landfill space and reducing environmental strain.

  • Empowers Communities:

    Composting connects people to the land, to one another, and to local solutions that make a global difference.

  • Educates and Inspires

    Through hands-on education and community programming, we’re building a culture of sustainability from the ground up.

We’re not just collecting scraps — we’re building soil, restoring balance, and helping people turn small actions into lasting change.

Because when we compost, we give back to the earth — and to each other.