K 472: Recognizing May 29, 2025, as Learn About Composting Day

 Assembly Resolution No. 472 BY: M. of A. Epstein RECOGNIZING May 29, 2025, as Learn About Composting Day WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to increase awareness of issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize May 29, 2025 as National Learn About Composting Day; and WHEREAS, According to the NYC Food Policy Center, 18 percent of all waste in New York State is food waste, all of which could be composted; and WHEREAS, The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation estimates that if these food scraps did not end up in landfills, our state would see a reduction of more than 120,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide; and WHEREAS, Landfills are responsible for polluting millions of gallons of water every year and 12 percent of all the greenhouse gases emitted in New York State come from the waste sector; and WHEREAS, In addition to the benefits received from reducing waste, composting also improves soil health and the functioning of plants by adding nutrients and soil biota to improve the health of the plant; and WHEREAS, Compost makes ecosystems more resilient to extreme weather and temperature changes, mitigating the impact of climate change; and WHEREAS, Compost not only prevents the emission of greenhouse gases from food waste sitting in a landfill, it also absorbs additional emissions from the atmosphere; and WHEREAS, Composting is a rewarding way to live more sustainably; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to recognize May 29, 2025, as Learn About Composting Day.