Harry Potter Fan? Uncover the Magic of Waste Transformation 🪄🌍

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Read time: 3 minutes 46 seconds

Hi friend👋,

On a scale from 1-10, how obsessed were you as a kid with Harry Potter?

For me, it was definitely an 8 - I read all seven books and loved diving into the magical world of Hogwarts, Dumbledore, and 'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named'. Even today, I sometimes still dream of the stories.

My favorite book of the seven was the first one: 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'. Why? Because it includes elements of alchemy, which has always fascinated me.

In the story, the Philosopher's Stone is a legendary alchemical substance capable of turning base metals into pure gold and producing the elixir of life, which grants immortality.

So in today's newsletter, we will explore something almost as cool as the Philosopher's Stone: Startups that are turning organic waste into rich, fertile soil - which is like an elixir of life for our plants.

FYI: I decided to add some memes throughout today's newsletter for a fun twist. I’m curious to see how you like this new format, so please feel free to share your feedback and vote using the lemons 🍋 at the end!

1. [Insights]: Harry Potter Fan? Uncover the Magic of Waste Transformation 🪄🌍

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of waste we produce daily?

Imagine if we could turn that trash into something valuable, like gold! 🌟

Well, not literal gold, but something equally precious for our planet: nutrient-rich soil. Startups like Mill in the US or Soilkind in Germany are taking on this mission.

MILL has pioneered a revolutionary composting system that takes your kitchen scraps and yard waste and converts them into high-quality compost.

Their sleek, user-friendly trash bins can be installed right under your sink, making composting as easy as tossing your trash. 🥬➡️💎

Mill operates by drying and grinding food scraps overnight, reducing their volume by up to 80%. The resulting "food grounds" can be used in gardens, added to city compost bins, or even sent back to Mill.

The environmental impact? By diverting food waste from landfills, Mill helps avoid methane emissions. According to their estimates, using Mill can save about a half-ton of greenhouse gas emissions per household per year. This reduction is achieved by preventing the decomposition of organic waste in landfills and by creating a sustainable feed option for animals.

Not only do I think this idea from Mill is awesome, but some of the big names in the VC game think so too. The startup raised 100 million USD in funding from notable investors like Breakthrough Energy (Bill Gates) and Bradley Horowitz.

Meanwhile, in Germany, Soilkind is championing a similar cause. This system processes organic waste through a three-step method. Users continuously add kitchen scraps into the unit. Soilkind uses heat, moisture control, and aeration to optimize conditions for microorganisms to break down the waste into nutrient-rich compost in just 48 hours.

Why should you care? We should try to eliminate food waste in the first place. Nonetheless, having convenient options for home composting can be a really good and easy way to contribute to a more sustainable environment.

By using these innovative systems, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, and create valuable compost that enriches our gardens and supports local agriculture.

Remember: 61% of global food waste occurs at the household level, indicating that consumer habits play a major role in food wastage. (Source: United Nations Environment Programme, 2021).

Just like the Philosopher's Stone turned base metals into gold, these new convenient household tech appliances are transforming everyday waste into something incredibly valuable for our planet.

So, the next time you toss those veggie scraps, remember: you’re sitting on a potential goldmine. 🌍🌟

2. Today’s fast snacks

[Good News Food]: 🍆 Ready to bring some excitement to your cooking? In a recent article, chef and food writer Becky Selengut shares her secrets to turning underappreciated seasonal veggies like rutabaga, eggplant, and radicchio into culinary masterpieces.

Forget the mundane—learn how to roast rutabaga to perfection, making it sweet and savory. Her tips not only help you make the most of seasonal produce but also encourage a plant-based diet that’s as good for you as it is for the planet. 🌱👩‍🍳

Read more here.

[Good News Climate]: 🌍 The state of Vermont just passed the Climate Superfund Act, a pioneering law that holds high-emission companies accountable for climate-related damages.

The law requires companies, including oil giants, to pay for damages based on their emissions from 1995 to 2024. The funds will be used to improve infrastructure, weatherproof public buildings, and address health impacts caused by climate change.

This is awesome, and I hope more states and countries follow soon.

Read more here.

[Fun]: 🎮 Looking for an engaging way to learn about climate change while having fun? Try the "Escape Climate Change" online game (in German).

This interactive escape room experience raises awareness about environmental issues through puzzles and challenges that emphasize the importance of sustainability.

Check it out here.

3. [Community space]: 🙌

I recently met Lynn Stehling—a highly motivated and hands-on operator currently looking for a new role in food and agtech. She is a master-educated strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset and proven expertise in strategy, operations, and project management.

If you know of any leads, please reach out to her directly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnvaleriestehling/

Sincerely,
Lia Carlucci

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