Designates first week of May of each year as "Composting Awareness Week" in New Jersey.
Impact
The resolution acknowledges composting as a means to enhance soil fertility, decrease the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and conserve water usage. Notably, it states that composting can reduce water usage by as much as 30% and help prevent flooding. Furthermore, by promoting composting, the resolution addresses an essential aspect of waste management, as organic materials constitute a substantial portion of landfill waste. The bill links composting to sustainability initiatives recognized in other executive orders and reports related to New Jersey's climate goals.
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 87 (SJR87) designates the first week of May of each year as 'Composting Awareness Week' in New Jersey. This resolution aims to recognize and promote the importance of composting as a sustainable practice that contributes to environmental health and climate change mitigation. By instilling this awareness, the bill encourages the public to adopt composting practices and supports local communities in implementing efficient waste management strategies that can significantly reduce landfill contributions.
Contention
There are no significant points of contention directly stated within the resolution; however, the broader context of climate action and sustainability may elicit differing perspectives from various stakeholders. Proponents view the encouragement of composting as a necessary step towards environmental stewardship, while critics may argue about the effective implementation and public engagement in composting programs. Additionally, the interaction with existing legislation on food waste recycling and environmental conservation suggests that operational challenges could arise in promoting compulsory participation among residents and businesses.