In partnership with the Redwood Neighborhood Association, Better Farm's "Better Buckets" initiative kicks off at 12 p.m. Saturday, April 19, with a workshop to construct Redwood's community compost bin, seed-planting and basic maintenance in the Community Greenhouse, and a trash-pickup project in downtown Redwood.

Those interested in participating in the inaugural year of Better Buckets may also stop in that day to pick up their free compost buckets; 5-gallon pails that will be filled with an individual's or family's food scraps and picked up (or may be dropped off at the community greenhouse) on a weekly basis throughout the year. The dirt produced in the Community Greenhouse's compost bin will be available for free to the public.

Here's a little background on Better Buckets:

Composting is the process of turning food scraps into nutrient-rich soil. With up to 40 percent of all landfills comprised of otherwise biodegradable food scraps, composting is a simple way to cut a huge amount out of the waste stream while benefiting backyard gardens, homegrown produce, and increasing amounts of topsoil.

To that end, Better Farm has partnered with the Redwood Neighborhood Association and other local groups and individuals to kick off a new campaign that will turn natural waste into soil and help preserve and expand the natural beauty of the area.

“Better Buckets” allows individuals and families in the Redwood area to isolate food scraps from the waste stream in order to benefit their community. Better Farm will deliver five-gallon pails to those who have signed up and make regular visits to empty the buckets. Waste will be brought to Redwood's Community Greenhouse for processing (and overflow to Better Farm), where over time the food scraps will become healthy soil perfect for fertilizing flowers and produce grown in the community greenhouse. Redwood residents are invited and encouraged to participate in the process of growing plants in the greenhouse, which is operated and overseen by members of the Redwood Neighborhood Association. Plant sales and giveaways throughout the summer months will help to nourish residents and beautify the hamlet. This program is brought to the community at no cost to participating individuals.

A similar program kicks off in the coming weeks throughout Queens and Brooklyn in New York. Click here to read about that initiative.

If you have questions or would like to pre-register, please email info@betterfarm.org or call (315) 482-2536.