We're thrilled to share our 2022 Impact Report, showcasing the positive environmental impact of our customers' diverted food waste. These numbers reflect food waste collected from both our residential and commercial customers.
So, what do these numbers mean? Let's break it down:
First, we have 11,660 pounds of food waste diverted. This is the total weight of all the food waste we collected from commercial and residential customers last year. This waste was diverted from the landfill where its decomposition would've resulted in the release of methane into the atmosphere. Methane is 25 times more detrimental to the environment than carbon dioxide.
Next, 3,484 pounds of compost were generated. This one's simple - this is how much compost is created from the 11,660 pounds of food waste we collected.
Now we have 30,316 pounds of carbon dioxide reduced. According to the US Composting Council, food waste in a landfill can produce 2.6 metric tons of CO2 for every metric ton of waste. So, 11,660 x 2.6 = 30,316 pounds of carbon dioxide avoided.
The next few numbers help us envision what that 30,316 pounds of carbon dioxide looks like.
34,022 miles driven: According to the EPA, the average car emits 404 grams of CO2 per mile.
227 tree seedlings grown over 10 years: This is the number of tree seedlings it would take to sequester the 30,316 pounds of CO2 avoided by our composting customers last year.
1,673,443 smartphones charged: Our small business offset the CO2 emissions from charging over 1.5 MILLION smartphones!
What's in store for 2023?
We're thrilled with the numbers from last year and are so proud of our customers for taking the initiative to make a positive impact. This year, Green Shoots will be stepping up our efforts and aiming to double these numbers!
Stay tuned for exciting announcements, events, and partnerships coming soon!
Check out our residential and commercial pick-up plans.