Growing up, Michael Martinez lived near one of the nation’s largest landfills. While this was an unpleasant experience, Martinez also witnessed how his family was able to repair and create things from everyday items that had been thrown away.
These childhood experiences sparked his fire for composting and inspired him to found LA Compost, a community-based nonprofit that has created compost hubs throughout L.A. County. And recently, Martinez added the role of author to his environmental work, publishing “Composting for Community,” a children’s picture book that shares the importance of reducing waste, taking care of communities and our environment.
Martinez says his time as an elementary school reading teacher and being a father of two inspired him to create the book. “The joy that my students and children have shown while in the garden and around the compost pile has been infectious, and I wanted to do my best to trans- late that into a book,” he says.
Martinez’s goal was to help children of all ages, as well as their families, appreciate the connection between humans and the Earth’s soil. The book exemplifies that message by following Mateo as he learns about his father’s job as a composter, his family’s heritage and what it means to be a steward of the environment. Martinez wanted to show this lesson in a family dynamic because he believes it is the most effective way to teach the next generation about the climate emergency.
“It’s like passing on a cherished family recipe,” he says. “Every family may have a story from their ancestors about how they respected the land and the importance of preserving it. Additionally, it’s always valuable to learn by doing. Can you collect food scraps and take them to a community composting location as a family? Can kids get involved in adding compost to their garden to see how well things can grow when it’s added? Can you start a worm bin or backyard bin on your own or with a neighbor? These are all great ways to get kids involved in everyday practices that positively impact the environment.
“By engaging in these activities, families not only contribute to their community’s efforts, but also bond over shared experiences and values, creating a stronger connection between generations and a deeper appreciation for the planet,” Martinez says.
