Keeping Pumpkins Out of Landfills
At Goldfinch Farm, we believe every small action contributes to a healthier planet. This fall, we set out to tackle food waste in our community by inviting folks to drop off their leftover pumpkins. The results? Together, we composted or fed 3,000 pounds of pumpkins, giving them a second life instead of letting them decompose in a landfill.
Why Composting Matters
When organic waste like pumpkins ends up in a landfill, it decomposes without oxygen, producing methane—a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. By composting these pumpkins instead, we avoided releasing approximately 3.45 metric tons of CO₂-equivalent (CO₂e) into the atmosphere. That’s a significant environmental win!
Here’s how to think about this impact:
It’s like taking a car off the road for 8,600 miles.
Or powering the average U.S. home for six months.
Or $638 in social costs
Instead of contributing to climate change, the pumpkins we collected are now nourishing our farm’s soil, improving its structure and fertility, and helping us grow more nutrient-dense food. This process also sequesters carbon in the soil, creating a full-circle solution to food waste.
The Power of Community
We couldn’t have done this without you! Each pumpkin dropped off at the farm—whether it was a Halloween jack-o’-lantern or an autumn centerpiece—added up to a meaningful impact. Composting is a simple way to keep food waste out of landfills and support regenerative farming practices, and this fall’s effort proved how much we can achieve when we work together.
Looking Ahead
Our pumpkin composting program is just one way we aim to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Moving forward, we’ll continue offering compost drop-offs for yard waste and seasonal decorations like straw bales and corn stalks. Together, we can create a more resilient and sustainable local food system.
Join Us in the Composting Movement
Composting isn’t just about reducing waste—it’s about giving back to the Earth and investing in the future of farming. If you’d like to learn more about how composting can make a difference or support our sustainable farming efforts, reach out to us or stop by the farm.
Thank you for helping us close the loop and care for our planet. Your pumpkins have done more than decorate your porch—they’ve helped grow a better tomorrow.
