Rust Belt Riders Contributing to Real Methane Sequestration

I am a big fan of Rust Belt Riders (RBR). We advocated for a drop off near out worship space in Midtown in Cleveland’s near east side, and I am thrilled the whole operation is consolidating near Rid All Green Partnership in Cleveland’s “Forgotten Triangle.” Every day, RBR composts 10 tons of food scraps. That’s remarkable. Bottom line, that is preventing huge volumes of methane from forming underground before it finds its way up and out. 

RBR’s website has loads of helpful suggestions, too. “Plan” is a big one. They encourage shoppers to anticipate food needs for the coming week so consumers don’t bring food home that won’t get prepared and eaten. Shop with discretion! Furthermore, RBR advises folks to monitor what’s in the fridge, putting items that have a shorter shelf life toward the front, or in a prominent place. Even if you don’t subscribe to their services, Rust Belt has some helpful hints for you. 

I live in Cleveland Heights and have lived in the same house since 1992. I am pleased to say that our city has adopted city-wide free composting with RBR. There are four drop off locations throughout the municipality. All residents have to do is sign up, receive the combination for the locks on the bins, and begin making routine trips to deposit food scraps, bones, and compostable napkins, plates, and clamshells. 

Regardless of all the information on the City’s website, I have no idea how many of the 40K+ citizens of Cleveland Heights know of the opportunity that awaits them. But I thought I could, at the very least, inform the neighbors on my street. We’ve had our block party, and we greet one another warmly while walking our dogs or grandkids, but who talks food scraps? I decided to write up the Cleveland Heights FREE drop off program and deliver the news to my neighbors. 

I found just the right bag to work as a doorhanger at Dean’s Supply on Woodland. “Where could I find wine bags?” I asked the associate at the computer as I entered Dean’s. “Turn around.” There they were. 500 per bundle. I did a little crisscross with my utility knife near the top of the bag and stuffed 100 of them with my handouts. It was a beautiful day to make the rounds. I met only two neighbors on the stroll, and both already compost with RBR. How many others do? Will anyone call to acknowledge receipt of the information?

So far, only one call. The neighbor could not find the link to register with RBR to receive the code for the locks on the collection bins. (Raccoons would wreak havoc if the bins were not secured.) She was an elderly neighbor who still composts yard waste but was nervous about rodents at the back of her yard. She’s all squared away and was grateful for the encouragement. Maybe others will call. Maybe not. But every doorhanger was worth the effort and the modest expense. If we don’t speak up, some just won’t know. And if we make an effort, some might be willing to explore a suggestion like mine. It’s just another way to love our neighbor, respect creation, and encourage more thoughtfulness when we shop.

Feed people, not landfills.

Is there a project you have taken on that others could learn from? Have you managed a small rain garden, swapped out Styrofoam with real dishes, substituted compostable clamshells at your Lenten fish fry? Maybe you could share that story with your neighbors or with other faith communities in your region. Leading by example is a powerful way to teach. Door hangers might not be the best way to go, but a little story in your Community News could catch someone’s attention and more good things could follow.