This past week in our dining hall, a sign indicating new things that could be incorporated into the food waste bin was posted. Based on my own experience and class discussions, this was not something students were made aware of prior to or when they were installed. This sparked many conversations with others about how people felt about the poor communication surrounding this change. Even before this act, I’ve heard many complaints about the limited number of composting bins around campus, specifically their lack of presence in the residences. If the campus wants to implement composting on campus, education about why and how we should do this is key. Going along with this, consistency across campus is also very important. I feel like a lot of people have a hard time properly disposing of things because they are not expecting the ways the waste should be organized and they are not used to it. I think when it comes to the physical act of disposing things, a fast speed is praised. When it comes to waste workers, both the workers and customers want the work done as quickly as possible. I feel this translates when we ourselves are disposing of something. For me, I know that no matter how long I spend in the dining hall, whether it is 20 minutes or 2 hours, I spend less than a minute disposing of my waste. If I am honest, I find myself irritated if there is a line in front of me to do this and find myself guilty of taking too long if there are individuals behind me. This contrast inspires me to be more present and patient during these moments. When it comes to responsibility, I think it first is in Hampshire’s hands to properly educate, communicate, and be consistent about waste management. Of course, too there does have to be a willingness to learn from the campus, so that’s when the people’s responsibility comes into play. Once disposed of, the waste workers now have the responsibility, and I would argue the right to take whatever they want from it. Quick side note: I am curious if Hampshire has any policy surrounding this! If I do have waste in my room, I do feel responsible for it for a longer duration of time, but in regard to food waste, I try to always place that in common waste bins, in an effort to disassociate myself. Overall, our readings this past week have encouraged me to educate myself more on composting opportunities on campus, in order to properly participate in them.