Sources + Formulas Impact Data

The weights of ourselves and our partners, along with some estimates for the first year of operation.

We apply a general blended estimate of 33%. Materials gathered reduce in volume during the composting process, yet this process also involves incorporating extra carbon materials. Certain items, such as compostable serviceware, yield minimal compost, while others, like food waste, generate more, although this can significantly differ depending on their water content.‍

Formula: impact [lbs_compost_produced] = impact [lbs_diverted] * 0.33  

CO2:
According to the US Composting Council, “In a landfill, food can produce the equivalent of 12 metric tons (mT) of CO2 for every dry metric ton of waste (Eleazer et al, 1997). Since food scraps are roughly 80% moisture, that equals about 2.6 tons on a wet weight basis. In addition, not all the carbon gets converted to methane, since a significant portion stays buried and is counted as sequestration, reducing the net emissions.”

Formula: co2 = impact [lbs_diverted] * 2.6 

Methane:
According to the EPA, methane impact is 25 times greater then CO2, pound for pound.

Formula: impact [methane] =  co2 / 25 

We total up the amount of compost that has been shared with garden partners (though not necessarily delivered yet), then convert it at 1300 lbs per cu. yd., with a market rate of $25/cu. yd. 

Formula:
impact [shared_compost_value] = impact [lbs_shared] / 1300 * 25