Girl Scout Gold Award Project: BroadCOMPOSTING Change by Summer

Seventeen-year-old Summer, an Ambassador-level Fossil Valley Girl Scout and recent graduate from Troop 31151, has embarked on an inspiring journey with her Gold Award project, "BroadCOMPOSTING Change." This project aims to promote the practice of composting across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and California, with a particular focus on farmers and farmworkers. Through a series of radio broadcasts, Summer advocates for the environmental benefits of composting, hoping to make a significant impact on waste management and soil health in these regions.

Addressing Florida’s Waste Management Crisis
Florida, a state with significant challenges in waste management, missed its 2020 goal of recycling 75% of municipal waste. The state generated nearly 4 million tons of food waste in 2020, and its landfills are among the top methane emitters in the U.S. Recognizing these issues, Summer partnered with Southeast AgNET and the Ag Information Network to spread her message through 101 radio stations, educating the public on the importance of composting.

Composting: A Sustainable Solution for Farmers
Summer's broadcasts emphasize the benefits of composting as a sustainable agricultural practice. According to the USDA, fertilizer costs have skyrocketed by 73% since 2020, leading to significant financial strain on farmers. Composting offers a cost-effective alternative by improving soil health, increasing nutrient uptake, and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Composting also helps soils retain more moisture and carbon, crucial in combating the effects of climate change.

Engaging the Next Generation
In addition to her radio broadcasts, Summer created a composting workbook specifically designed for Girl Scout Brownies and Juniors. This resource, available online, provides an easy-to-follow guide for educating young scouts on composting in a single troop meeting. The workbook encourages hands-on learning and aims to instill a sense of environmental responsibility in the next generation of Girl Scouts.

Get Involved and Learn More
Summer’s project is not just for farmers—it’s for everyone. By advocating for composting, she hopes to inspire others to take action in their communities. Whether you're a farmer, a homeowner, or a young scout, composting can make a difference in reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability.

Summer’s dedication to composting and environmental advocacy is a testament to the positive impact one individual can have on their community and beyond. Join Summer in Making a Difference—It’s Time to Start BroadCOMPOSTING Change!

Listen to Summer's Radio Messages:
-Southeast AgNET
https://southeastagnet.com/2024/08/07/benefits-composting-farms/

SouthEast Regional Ag
Part 1
https://www.aginfo.net/report/60404/Southeast-Regional-Ag-News/FL-Girl-Scout-Promotes-Composting-as-Part-of-Gold-Award

Part 2
https://www.aginfo.net/report/60412/Southeast-Regional-Ag-News/Girl-Scout-Gives-First-Steps-for-Composting

Explore Her Resources:
Informational Guide: BroadCOMPOSTING Change
Dispersing Viable Organic Waste Management for Crop Development
https://bit.ly/broadcompostingchange

BroadCOMPOSTING Change Workbook
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGMD_FmDiE/mCGne6SiX90WYPqsti5hmw/view?utm_content=DAGMD_FmDiE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=viewer