Thanksgiving is synonymous with bountiful feasts, but it often leads to an overwhelming amount of leftovers and wasted food. In the 50th episode of Wharton Global Youth’s Future of the Business World, Kelly Zhang shares her innovative approach to tackling this issue—composting.
The Problem of Thanksgiving Food WasteEvery year, millions of pounds of Thanksgiving food go uneaten. From discarded turkey scraps to spoiled pumpkin pie, this waste contributes to methane emissions in landfills and represents a lost opportunity to create sustainable solutions.
Kelly Zhang’s Composting InitiativeA Science-Backed SolutionKelly, a passionate advocate for sustainability, emphasizes the role of composting as a practical way to reduce food waste. By breaking down organic materials into nutrient-rich soil, composting not only diverts waste from landfills but also enriches agricultural practices.
How It Works- Step 1: Collect food scraps like vegetable peels, bread, and leftover turkey bones.
- Step 2: Mix them with yard waste, such as leaves and grass clippings, for proper aeration.
- Step 3: Maintain a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio for optimal decomposition.
Spreading AwarenessKelly has organized community workshops and partnered with local schools to educate others on how composting can make a significant environmental impact, especially during food-heavy holidays like Thanksgiving.
Why Composting Matters- Reduces Methane Emissions: Food waste in landfills releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting prevents this.
- Creates Fertilizer: Compost is an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers, improving soil health.
- Engages Communities: Initiatives like Kelly’s inspire collective action, fostering a culture of sustainability.
Inspiring the Next GenerationKelly’s efforts highlight how young leaders can drive change. Her appearance on
Future of the Business World serves as a reminder that innovation often begins at the grassroots level.
ConclusionThanksgiving leftovers don’t have to end up in the trash. With simple composting techniques, we can turn holiday waste into something meaningful and sustainable. Thanks to innovators like Kelly Zhang, the future of food waste management looks promising.
Hashtags#ThanksgivingLeftovers #Composting #FoodWasteSolutions #Sustainability #YouthInnovation
Launch your Graphy