The Quaker Composting Service (QCS): An Opportunity to Create a PYM Commercial-scale Composting Service to Meet our goal for net zero by 2030
September 23. 7:00 to 8:30 PM
The Eco-Justice Collaborative (EJC) is sponsoring a webinar on an opportunity to create a PYM commercial -scale composting service to meet our goal for net zero by 2030.
or copy and paste this link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/PYMEvents/event/collaborative-webinar-compostingnetwork/
Who would be involved?
Each PYM friend has an as-yet untapped ability to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Each Quaker meeting, school, and facility will be asked to participate, be trained, and receive quarterly reports on the amount of GHG savings they have contributed towards PYM’s goals.
What is it?
Composting our food scraps on a commercial level, including meat, dairy, oils, paper, etc., from Meetings and Quaker facilities across the region.
Where? When?
We are now at Phase 3 of the climate action plan. During 2024 Continuing Sessions, PYM approved a Climate Witness with three phases—
1) Measure PYM’s GHG output; 2) Identify Carbon Emission Reduction Strategies, and; 3) Invite monthly meetings to strive to reach 50% carbon reduction for members and meetings. Phases 1 and 2 have been marked “Completed” by PYM as of December 2025. It is now time to work on Phase 3.
How? Why?
PYM meetings and schools will be asked to participate. For example, school cafeterias at Quaker schools could begin diverting left-over and unwanted foods at scale. Next, each meeting will have the opportunity to Families each will do at home and weekly bring to the meeting to put in one larger garbage tote, which is the emptied 1x week
We have been called by PYM to reduce our meetings’ and families’ GHG output by 50%. Notably, the findings from Phase 1 and 2 (identifying our GHG sources and reduction strategies), found that we have saved “0.0” metric tons of GHG by composting. This network will change that zero-value. For example, one suburban Philadelphia school district saved $4,000/year and eliminated 31 tons of GHG by adopting cafeteria composting at its two high schools.
This webinar will give attendees the knowledge, opportunity, and tools to expand their environmental activism at home and in the community while helping PYM meet its goals for reduced carbon output from Friends organizations and activities.
