Recognizing May 29, 2026, as Learn About Composting Day

Assembly Resolution No. 1490

BY: M. of A. Levenberg

        RECOGNIZING   May   29,   2026,   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, 2026 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, 2026, as Learn About Composting Day.