2017 Rathmann Challenge
IN 2017, THE RATHMANN CHALLENGE FOCUSED ON MITIGATING CLIMATE CHANGE BY EXPANDING THE USE OF COMPOST
Compost has long been used for improved soil productivity, increased water retention, and reduced sensitivity to drought. Application of compost to agricultural lands can be an effective waste management technique for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We saw widespread use of compost as an important tool for recapturing carbon from the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and stabilizing the carbon cycle. Of the many highly qualified organizations that applied, five were selected for funding.
Examples included (but were not limited to): compost operator training, infrastructure development, market development, organic waste material management practices, practice adoption, professionalization of compost science, public education and marketing, scientific research, and soil management practices.
Applications closed in March 2017 and the awardees were announced on November 1, 2017. Read press release here.
Top Honor
Pittsfield, Florence and Springfield, MA
The Center for EcoTechnology (CET) helps people and businesses save energy and reduce waste. Acting as a catalyst, CET accelerates the development of vibrant marketplaces that divert wasted food generated by the commercial/institutional sector. As one of the leaders in the food waste reduction and diversion movement over the past 20 years, CET has contributed to effective public policy and implemented some of the first food waste composting programs in the country.
