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A compost-curious group gathers at the SEEDS Farm Compost Petting Zoo during the Great Northern Michigan Compost Crawl in September 2024.

The Great Northern Michigan Compost Crawl

Nine 'Compost Crawl' stops celebrated composting initiatives across the region

Michigan has a garbage problem. Up to 38 percent of all trash in landfills is organic material such as food scraps and yard clippings. When thrown away – instead of composted – organic waste decomposes anaerobically [without oxygen] and emits methane gas, which is an extremely potent and toxic greenhouse gas.

The Great Northern Michigan Compost Crawl in September 2024 showcased successful composting processes including fish waste operations, vermicomposting, and companion planting.

Organic waste in landfills equates to greenhouse gas emissions

In order to help solve that problem, SEEDS has been convening a community of compost experts and soil enthusiasts across ten counties in Northwest Michigan. Together, we are working on effectively and pragmatically planning for localized organic waste management – with composting as one solution – toward the greater statewide goal of diverting half of the organics currently going to landfills.

Organic wastes can be transformed into healthy, regenerative, nutrient-rich soil amendments

The Great Northern Michigan Compost Crawl this fall showcased numerous mid-sized composting operations that are actively taking locally-generated food wastes and turning it into nutrient-rich compostIt was a great opportunity for soil-enthusiasts, local farmers, and enthusiasts to learn from one another and explore practices of composting.

A crowd of soil lovers watched food scraps (in compostable bags) being added to a compost windrow at the Emmet County Recycling Center during a tour stop of The Great Northern Michigan Compost Crawl in September 2024.
Community members joined a Leelanau CROWD meeting in September 2024 where Danielle Todd of Make Food Not Waste gave a riveting presentation and discussion of Michigan’s MMPs (Materials Management Plans).
SEEDS Executive Director, Sarna Salzman, speaks about the importance of community partners coming together in support of composting, and in-vessel strategies for carbon drawdown practices, during the City of Traverse City ribbon-cutting ceremony in September 2024.

Join the compost fun!

Whether composting is a new concept for you, you’re curious how to get started composting at home, or you’re seasoned at managing the browns-to-greens ratio and recipe of a well-turned backyard pile, fall’s harvest season is a great time to compost—there’s always more to learn and lots of local resources to help!

SEEDS recognizes that ‘Compost is Caring,’ and by composting, we contribute to a healthier local environment that keeps food scraps out of landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions–join us in the compost fun.

ROT ON!

An early compost-enthusiast checks out the ‘Compost Stew’ StoryWalk provided by Traverse Area District Library at the SEEDS Farm Compost Petting Zoo, at Historic Barns Park, as part of the Great Northern Michigan Compost Crawl in September 2024.