VOLUME 40 • NUMBER 21 • APRIL 21, 2022
Since 1982
www.facebook.com/thevillager1982
One caring fifth-grader brought a healthy change to her neighborhood composting BY FREDA MIKLIN STAFF WRITER
According to the U.S. Public Interest Research Group in a report from June 2019, “Americans landfilled or incinerated over 50 million tons of compostable waste in 2015. That is enough to fill a line of fully-loaded 18-wheelers, stretching from New York City to Los Angeles ten times. The system of collecting, landfilling and incinerating waste is a costly one that contributes to global warming and creates toxic air and water pollution. Composting could reduce the amount of trash sent to landfills and incinerators in the U.S. by at least 30 percent.” It continues, “A growing number of cities, towns and states are recognizing the benefits of composting programs. In just the last five years, the number of communities offering composting programs has grown by 65 percent. By following the best practices of programs around the country, American communities can launch successful composting programs that reduce waste, contribute to a sustainable food system, help tackle global warming, and reduce harmful air and water pollution. Compost can help create a robust and sustainable agricultural system.” One day last year, Julia Lace, then a fourth-grader at Greenwood Elementary School, was visiting her aunt in Denver, where composting is a service available to residents through the city. Julia told The Villager, “I was eating a banana and my aunt told me not to throw away the peel. I learned that it helps the environment and stops pollution.” Julia, who lives in Greenwood Village, told us she “wondered why we didn’t have composting in our neighborhood,” and began researching companies that could provide the service. She found Wompost, a woman-owned company located in Aurora, and decided to contact them. That led to a meeting with Carolyn Pace, Wompost’s Continued on page 2
twitter.com/thevillager1982
Price $1 per copy
“I was eating a banana and my aunt told me not to throw away the peel. I learned that it helps the environment and stops pollution.”
- Julia Lace, fifth-grader at Greenwood Elementary School
SUBSCRIBE TO THE VILLAGER TODAY - CALL 303-773-8313