Beginning in January of 2015, Seattle, Washington, cultivated a citywide movement toward limiting food waste. Following in the footsteps of San Francisco, Seattle has an enforced composting mandate. The Seattle compost program is unique in that the city will actually fine individuals who fill their garbage cans with leftover food. City sanitation workers are responsible for red tagging offending households, consequently creating a sense of shame to those who do not adhere to the mandate. The New York Times article “Starve a Landfill” calls attention to the city’s environmentalist program by highlighting not only the initiative of Seattle, but the detriment of food waste as a whole. The piece cites that our country loses about 31% of its food through waste – how devastating!
Though such a shift in waste and cooking may seem shocking and impossible to many, the article makes reference to the Great Depression-era. Farm life and home cooked meals were essential to the survival of many during this time, further proving that the change is indeed very possible. Conservation was a “battle cry” for homemakers and influenced the movement of making use of kitchen waste in the 70’s. Though American culture has since strayed from such conservation, Seattle is one of many cities making a shift toward enforcing environmentally friendly mandates.
The article interviews Seattle locals and showcases their input on how composting has changed the style of cooking for many. It shows that composting benefits mother nature as well as actual mothers; interviewee Kathleen Wilson, 44, discussed her newfound love of cooking with fresh foods and the joy it brings her to know that her food waste has been greatly reduced. Waste-reducing cookbooks, like “Waste-Free Kitchen Handbook” by Dana Gunders are showcased by article author Kim Severson, who makes sure to include an abundance of resources for those interested in reducing waste in the kitchen.
The Seattle mandate has been in place for just around seven years now and is still being praised as an example for managing organics. They are pioneering systemic solutions to limiting personal waste through government enforced regulations, though mandate’s don’t have to be the only reason you should look into composting. Composting is a simple and effective way to feel good through activism and dietary improvement. Check out our blog for further information on how to set up a compost in your own home and be part of Seattle’s movement from wherever you reside.
Read More about the Seattle Mandate: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/04/dining/efficiency-in-the-kitchen-to-reduce-food-waste.html
