From May 5th to May 11th, we invite you to join us in celebrating International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) 2024! This year’s theme, “COMPOST… Nature’s Climate Champion,” underscores the vital role composting plays in combating climate change. As the world faces urgent environmental challenges, ICAW serves as a beacon of hope, rallying individuals, communities, and organizations worldwide to recognize the transformative power of compost.

During ICAW, we aim to raise awareness about the benefits of composting, from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to enhancing soil health and biodiversity. It’s not just about waste reduction; it’s about building a more sustainable future for generations to come. Join us as we educate, inspire, and take action to make a positive impact on our planet. Together, we can harness the power of composting to create a healthier, more resilient world.

Enter the REA ICAW Photo Contest!

As a part of ICAW 2024, REA is excited to host a photo contest! We invite you to capture the essence of composting and its vital role in combating climate change through your lens. Whether it’s a snapshot of your thriving garden, a composting workshop in action, or the beauty of organic waste turned into nutrient-rich compost, we want to see your creative interpretation of this year’s theme: COMPOST … Nature’s Climate Champion.

Email your submission to Claire ([email protected]) by the 10^th of May. Be sure to include:

1. 1. 1. A photo that captures this year’s theme
      2. Name of the photographer
      3. The location where the photo was taken
      4. A short caption describing the photo

Please make sure any people pictured give permission for the photo to be shared. By entering the contest, you consent to your photo being shared on REA social media platforms (with credit given to the photographer). Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your passion for composting and contribute to a greener, more sustainable world. Let your photos inspire others to join the composting movement and become champions for our planet!

What are YOU doing to celebrate ICAW?

We encourage everyone to participate in ICAW by hosting composting workshops, demonstrations, and other events in your community. Whether you are hosting a tour of your composting facility or starting a composting system at home, every action counts towards creating a more sustainable future. Make sure to check out what our members are doing below:

• • Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council and Natural World Products are hosting an informal information day on the 6th of May at the new No Dig garden beds at Kinnego to provide residents with advice and guidance on food waste recycling and home composting. Learn more here.
  • Suffolk County Council is running a promotion which helps residents buy compost bins and other food digesters at discounted prices. Prices start from only £19.98 for compost bins and £26.50 for food digester systems. Learn more here.
  • Knowsley Metropolitan Borough has published a blog with tips and tricks for home composting here.
  • The REAL Ltd. Compost Certification Scheme has published a paper explaining the industrial composting process and associated benefits. Download the paper here.

Compost Giveaway Events

• • Ealing residents can pick up free compost at Western Road Urban Garden UB2 5HR from 10 AM to 1 PM on 9 May. Learn more here.
  • Hertsmere residents can pick up free compost at Newberries car park from 10 AM on 10 May.
  • Suffolk residents can fill their own containers with free compost at Abbey Grove Car Park (IP11 9HD) from 10 AM to 2 PM on 10 May. Learn more here.
  • Watford residents can pick up free compost at Woodside Playing Fields Car Park (WD25 7HH) from 10 AM to 11 AM on 11 May. The event is sponsored by Severn Trent Green Power and Veolia UK. Learn more here.
  • Babergh and Suffolk residents can pick up free compost at Station Road car park in Sudbury from 8 AM to 12 PM on 11 May. Learn more here.
  • Babergh and Suffolk residents can pick up free compost at Needham Lake in Needham Market from 9 AM to 12 PM on 12 May. Learn more here.
  • Lisburn & Castlereagh residents can pick up one free bag of compost from a local Household Recycling Centre from the 5th to the 11th of May while supplies last. Find the closest HRC here.
  • Dacorum residents can pick up free compost from 9 AM on 18 May at Cupid Green Depot.
  • St. Albans residents can pick up free compost from 7:30 AM on 19 May at the Veolia depot.
  • East Riding Yorkshire residents can pick up two bags of free compost at one of the council’s nine upcoming events (13 May-28 May). Find a time and location that works for you here.

Help us amplify your planned activities and promotions for International Compost Awareness Week by submitting your initiatives to Claire ([email protected]). We will feature your efforts here and on social media platforms. Read a list of activities from 2023 ICAW here.

For more information about International Compost Awareness Week and how to get involved check out the Compost Research & Education Foundation’s webpage. Let’s celebrate nature’s climate champion together!