ROCKFORD, Ill. — In an empty lot near the western edge of Rockford, silver tarps guard a composting project that’s all about sustainability. Kate Whitacre, co-owner of Nettle Curbside Compost, is passionate about soil. “I love soil,” she says with enthusiasm.
Whitacre dives into a compost pile filled with food scraps like orange peels and egg shells. The pile is warm, reaching about 100 degrees Fahrenheit as it decomposes. Nearby, Nettle produces a “biologically stable soil amendment” that enriches garden soil and helps plants grow, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
According to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, nearly half of what we throw away can actually be composted. This includes food scraps, paper, and yard waste. Whitacre emphasizes the importance of composting. “We’re diverting waste from the landfill and creating a valuable soil product,” she explains.
Nettle started its journey in August 2024, taking over land that once housed the Dennis Early Childhood Center. Now, they collect compost from around 150 homes and 10 restaurants in the area. Whitacre points out a growing awareness about where our waste goes. Food that ends up in landfills contributes to methane emissions, a greenhouse gas that significantly impacts climate change. The International Energy Agency states this gas contributes to 30% of the recent rise in global temperatures.
“Composting is a low-tech solution to a big problem,” Whitacre notes. It’s a practice our ancestors relied on, and it can still make a difference today. Nettle collects around 4–5 tons of compost each month and continues to expand.
In May, the Rockford City Council approved plans for Nettle to enhance its property, which will include a community space, educational resources, and even an edible food farm. “We want to invest in our land,” Whitacre shares. One of their goals is to purchase a tractor to ease the manual labor involved. She acknowledges the challenges of farming; obtaining equipment can be costly.
The total investment in these developments could reach $500,000. To help achieve this goal, Nettle plans to welcome more customers.
Whitacre believes in the power of grassroots change. “We often think real change comes from the top down, but this is something we can all take action on.” By composting, each person can make a positive impact.
For those interested in composting services—from household pickups to event composting—Nettle has options available.
To learn more, visit their website here.
Source link
rockford illinois,rockford,development,dennis elementary school,dennis early childhood center,nettle curbside compost,nettle,compost,epa,methane,green,climate,climate news
