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.

Soil Depletion = Nutrient-Depleted Food

The loss of healthy soil has caused a sharp drop in nutrients in fruits, vegetables, and grains.
A carrot today may contain up to 75% fewer nutrients than one grown in 1950.
This contributes to more nutrient deficiencies, weakened immune systems, and chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.

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.

Soil & Health Impacts

Pesticide Use Increases as Soil Quality Drops

Poor soil = weaker crops = heavier reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Many are linked to hormonal disruption, neurodevelopmental issues in children, and certain cancers.

Here's Why Composting Matters:

Healthy Soil, Healthy You

Composting restores soil to grow nutrient-rich food. More nutrients mean sharper minds, steadier emotions, balanced hormones, stronger bodies, and protection against disease.
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.