I recently came across this really interesting idea: 'La Tricyclerie' . What is it? The word in itself it's self-explanatory - merging tricycle with recycle. It involves volunteers that use a tricycle to collect food waste from restaurants and shops, and they bring it to local composting bins. Exercising and for a good cause.. totally my cup of tea! But let's break it down so I can show you why I think it's worthwhile. (1) Composting Composting reduces the amount of waste going to landfills, reducing methane gas exchanges (from decomposing food) into the atmosphere. Moreover, if farms use compost they will reduce the use of chemical fertilisers.. two in one benefit! (2) Food waste Food waste is a great problem nowadays. It has been estimated that between one third and one half of all food produced is being wasted. In developed countries it is estimated that 100 Kg of food are being wasted per person per year (no, don't look at me! I am very careful to always only buy what I am gonna eat, and if i can't eat it i donate it to friends!). So if we can at least turn some of it (especially the "waste" that is not reusable or suitable for human consumption at all) into compost, why not? (3) Community benefits This initiative won't only help local businesses to 'get rid' of their waste sustainably, but will also help local farmers providing them with vitamin-rich fertilisers. Moreover, it will help building community spirit and relationships, between people. I believe that in this globalised word we are losing touch with each other and our surroundings, and our communities where we work and live, by dedicating some of the free time volunteering for this community may help putting everything back into perspective! (4) Fitness Yes, imagine this: fitness with an aim. No endless hours at the gym with no outcome. You exercise for a good cause while helping out the community. And if you are one of those self-proclaimed 'exercise haters', this won't feel like actual exercise while it will keep you healthy. Similarly, if you cannot afford to join a gym, this will provide you with free exercise. So, not only tackling food waste but tackling the obesity problem which is affecting many countries worldwide! I have also found out in my searches that this initiative also runs in other places, for example in Texas you can find the "Compost Pedallers"
Interested? Why not making it a worldwide movement? I, for one, would be very happy to join!
2 Comments
3/25/2019 08:36:57 pm
I love composting and it is such a shame too much ends up in landfills. Thanks for the article!
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