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.