In Depth

ILSR Supports Community Composting in Baltimore

ILSR Supports Community Composting in Baltimore

Sophia Hosain

November 11, 2022

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance’s (ILSR) Composting for Community Initiative has collaborated with partners in Baltimore to advance scalable, community-driven composting sites, aiming to shift leadership, power, and resources to the community level. This article showcases the progress made and challenges faced in our work with Community Composters in Baltimore.  READ MORE


Recently Posted

Media Release: New Guide Helps Home and Community Composters Prevent Rats

Media Release: New Guide Helps Home and Community Composters Prevent Rats

Reggie Rucker

August 29, 2022

A newly released guide from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) aims to support composters at community gardens, schools, urban farms, and other community venues in successfully managing their composting process to prevent attracting rodents.  READ MORE


Oh, Rats! How to Avoid Rodents at Community Composting Sites

Oh, Rats! How to Avoid Rodents at Community Composting Sites

Sophia Hosain

August 29, 2022

Contrary to popular belief, composting in cities does not cause rodent problems. This guide shows how composting food scraps, instead of dumping them in the trash, has the power to mitigate rodent pressures in urban neighborhoods.  READ MORE


As Heat Islands Worsen in Baltimore, Local Composting Can Relieve Its Effects

As Heat Islands Worsen in Baltimore, Local Composting Can Relieve Its Effects

Sophia Hosain

August 9, 2022

Across the U.S., the effects of 2022’s record high heat temperatures are widespread as climate change continues to exacerbate rising temperatures, intensifying heat-induced dangers to the public health and wellbeing of urban communities, Baltimore included. While the corporate sector is responsible for the majority of emissions causing rapid climate change, t  READ MORE


Vox: Climate fixes are all aimed at property owners. What about renters?

Vox: Climate fixes are all aimed at property owners. What about renters?

Reggie Rucker

July 27, 2022

Linda Bilsens Brolis, senior project manager for the Composting for Community Initiative at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance explains how renters can take an active role in combating climate change through composting.  READ MORE


Single-Stream Recycling Doesn’t Work

Single-Stream Recycling Doesn't Work

Netanel Hutman

July 7, 2022

...material reuse through for-profit and nonprofit operations is a mechanism for the redistribution of material wealth. The businesses also have a positive impact on job creation, community development and the environment. “Reuse is the highest form of recycling because finished products are revived and their productive purpose is extended,” said Dan Kna  READ MORE