SCAD MASTERS OF ARTS IN DESIGN MANAGEMENT FINAL PROJECT

Food waste is a global problem that creates a vast array of issues – hunger, resource waste, loss of nutrients, economic loss, and environmental detriment. The majority of food waste in the United States occurs at the consumer level. In most of the United States, neighborhood communities rely on a single stream waste disposal service that goes straight to landfill. The problem is not just food wasted and the associated loss, but wasted food going to landfill, creating additional environmental issues. There is a lack of education, awareness, and programs that give consumers a better option. There is an opportunity to improve these issues through the creation of neighborhood organized food waste management programs that are accessible and easy for residents to participate in.

The Northfork Community Food Waste drop off program is a solution for food waste to be deferred from landfill at the neighborhood level. This program will establish convenient and local drop off sites for Northfork residents to dispose of their food waste. The food waste will then be hauled away by a contracted compost hauling service, that takes it to a food waste certified composting facility around the greater Houston area. This solution allows residents to compost more types of food waste (such as meat and bones) than they otherwise would be able to with a backyard composter. In establishing this program, Northfork becomes a more sustainable community with educated residents, and a positive example for nearby neighborhoods to pursue a sustainable solution for their food waste management.