Boston Compost Certificate Program

Do you want to waste less and live more sustainably?

Join the Boston Compost Certificate Program, partnering with the City of Boston to learn the how's and why's of composting in Boston.

This four-module training series is designed to help you learn about the impact of food waste on the environment and its connection to climate change. Each module will include practical knowledge, hands-on activities, and guest speakers. This series will begin with a hands-on introduction to soil science at the Boston Nature Center, followed by a discussion led by the management team from Save That Stufff on how large scale composting can help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Participants will experience hands-on composting and gardening techniques at the Urban Farming Institute. The program will conclude with an opportunity to explore individual and collective actions to support soil health and mitigate climate change.

This program is open only to Boston residents. Four hours of volunteer time is required prior to completion of the course.

Soil Science

• Location: Boston Nature Center
• Guest Speaker: Mass Audubon Teacher Naturalist
• Explore the living and non-living components of healthy soil and learn about the important role soil plays as a carbon sink in the fight against climate change.

Large Scale Compost

• Location: Boston Nature Center
• Guest Speaker: Save That Stuff Management Team
• Discuss large scale composting and its challenges and successes. Learn how it can be used to mitigate the effects of climate change

Composting 101

• Location: Urban Farming Institute
• Guest Speakers: Urban Farming Institute Farm Staff
• Learn the benefits of different types of composting systems, including how to set up compost suitable for apartments, houses, community gardens, and farms! Participants will get the opportunity to set up their own vermicomposting bin that they can bring home!

Climate Change and Compost

• Location: Boston Nature Center
• Guest Speaker: Mass Audubon Teacher Naturalist
• Discuss the connections between climate change and composting. The teacher naturalist will lead a climate cafe discussion and provide an opportunity to brainstorm induvial, collective and systemic changes that support solutions to current climate change issues.