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Abstract

Background

Composting is a practical solution to the burgeoning global problem of food waste, which is a significant contributor to landfills and associated environmental effects. Dissemination of accurate information regarding the microbial-driven composting process is critical to positive outcomes.

Aim

To describe the content of news articles addressing composting.

Methods

A search was conducted on Google News using keywords, “composting” and the first 100 English-language articles were analyzed for content. The 12 content categories were derived from a United States Department of Agriculture information guide on composting. Details regarding the source of the news article were included. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and chi-square tests of independence were conducted.

Results

Only 17% of the sample were professional sources. Among the 12 content categories, environmental benefits of composting had maximum coverage (68%). Inclusion of the topics of environmental benefits (p = 0.03) and role of composting in landfill reduction (p = 0.03) was significantly associated with the article being a professional source.

Conclusions

The Internet presents opportunities for food and environmental experts to disseminate accurate information regarding composting, and partner at various levels into recycle food and organic waste to value-added products.

Keywords

Compost food waste online news information organic

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Composting and food waste on google news: Connections to nutrition and health