Cary Institute Presents Program on Composting

Join Cary ecologist Dr. Jane Lucas for a virtual science talk on the biology and ecology of composting. The presentation will include a demonstration on how you can start composting at home.

In the United States, 30 to 40 percent of our food winds up in the trash, where it contributes to landfills that emit greenhouse gases as their contents decompose. Composting is a great way to reduce household waste and shrink your carbon footprint. Food scraps, lawn clippings, wood and paper products can be transformed into a rich source of fertilizer for plants.

Like following any good recipe, the right ingredients are key. Dr. Lucas will discuss the dos and don'ts of composting and how adding different materials will affect your "brew." Discover the role that microorganisms and invertebrates play in turning garbage into plant food, and learn how factors like temperature and moisture affect the composting process.

This event is free and open to all. There will be ample time for questions and answers. Register to receive a Zoom login by clicking here.

For more information on the Cary Institute's virtual and in-person programs, click here.