Thread by @GAIAUS_CAN

In just a few minutes we're starting the last session of our Anatomy of a Zero Waste Campaign digital series! @Breathefree313 and @ilsr share their expertise on creating systems-level organics policy toward a true #ZeroWaste future!

@Breathefree313 @ilsr First up, Brenda Platt of ILSR offers a "menu" of ideas for composting policy and programs that she's learned in her last 10 years of work on community composting.

@Breathefree313 @ilsr Most of us are familiar with the waste hierarchy, but Brenda talks about scale of composting. The goal should be widespread local composting, rather than focusing on large industrial facilities that take power and decisionmaking away from communities.

@Breathefree313 @ilsr ILSR created a map that provides an interactive illustration of how communities pursue locally based composting capacity and enterprises, and how states help or hinder the growth of local programs. ilsr.org/composting/map/

@Breathefree313 @ilsr They also published a composting rules library that offers model composting rules adopted by communities and states so that organizers can build off existing resources. ilsr.org/composting-rul…

@Breathefree313 @ilsr Some states, like Connecticut and Maryland, are starting to require communities to divert their food scraps from waste streams. But residents can't be mandated to this unless there's a robust program in place, like San Francisco's.

@Breathefree313 @ilsr A good place to start while your community builds a composting program is a procurement policy, which requires industries like construction to purchase compost. "That drives the composting market," says Brenda Platt of @ilsr.

@Breathefree313 @ilsr Compost law is a big part of the fight for building organics policy. @ilsr worked with the Sustainable Economies Law Center on compostlaw.org to help organizers navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape for making compost.

@Breathefree313 @ilsr Most compost law only addresses backyard or large-scale composting, but there's a wealth of options in between for organizers to use in their campaigns.

@Breathefree313 @ilsr “Now is a really crucial time to lay the groundwork for policy advocacy,” says Platt, including by creating shared definitions of what community composting means, setting best practices, and highlighting different approaches to policy.

@Breathefree313 @ilsr She cautions organizers to beware of legislative study groups as a response to campaigns. They're delay tactics that gives legislators an opportunity to ignore advocates in favor of industry, or at least the status quo.

@Breathefree313 @ilsr “We need to advocate for the basic human right to healthy soil, and composting is a huge part of that.” Incentive programs are the first step, says Platt. "It’s really all about following the money.”

Next up is KT Anderson of @Breathefree313 which fought a successful campaign to shut down Detroit's incinerator and is now pivoting to zero waste policies like organics management as part of a just transition.

The community that fought to close the incinerator is leading a pilot program for decentralized composting, exploring collection techniques at different scales.

Why is decentralized local composting important? "Most cities rely on a single large composting facility that's well outside the city, meaning organics get trucked out, generating CO2 emissions," says Andresky.

She adds that weather has a huge impact on compost. What's worked in San Francisco's moderate climate won't work in cities like Detroit with freezing winters and warmer summers. Detroit's pilot program will provide a model for other similar cities.

Organics are climate resilience: Michigan produces the most crops outside of California, and as CA's droughts/wildfires increase, compost-assisted soil can increase Michigan's capacity while decreasing runoff and absorbing water from flooding.

"Everyone should be composting in their own community, as a radical act to protect the planet and support a just transition to zero waste." - KT Andresky of @Breathefree313

@Breathefree313 @threadreaderapp unroll pls!