Applications Invited for ICAW Poster Contest 2026

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About the Organization

The Compost Research & Education Foundation supports initiatives that enhance the stature and practices of the composting industry by supporting scientific research, increasing awareness, and educating practitioners and the public to advance environmentally and economically sustainable organics recycling.

The Compost Research & Education Foundation works to increase public awareness and understanding of composting by supporting outreach, developing resources, and leading local and national campaigns that highlight its importance to long-term sustainability. We foster scientific research that strengthens composting principles, processes, product uses, and analytical standards, building on our reputation for credibility and rigor. In addition, we advance the stature and practice of the composting industry by providing professional development opportunities and sharing best practices across the field.

The Foundation’s vision is to advance composting technologies, practices, and beneficial uses that support resource conservation and economic and environmental sustainability.

About the Event

The International Compost Alliance (ICA) follows a thoughtful process each year to select the theme for International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW). For 2026, we began by choosing one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) as our anchor. The ICAW Committee and ICA members agreed to focus on SDG 15: Life on Land, which emphasizes protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

From there, members of the ICAW Committee and ICA brainstormed potential theme ideas that would connect composting to this global goal. After several rounds of discussion, review, and refinement, the final list of themes was put to a vote. Following the ICA’s final decision, we are proud to announce the selected theme for ICAW 2026:

“Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us”

UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land

SDG 15 recognizes that healthy land ecosystems are essential to life on Earth. Key targets include:

• Forests: End deforestation and restore degraded forests.
• Biodiversity: Protect endangered species and conserve natural habitats.
• Land Degradation: Combat desertification and restore degraded land and soil.
• Sustainable Use: Ensure equitable and sustainable management of natural resources.
• Invasive Species: Prevent and reduce their impact on ecosystems.

The call to action is clear: support conservation, restore ecosystems, and promote sustainable land management to ensure a thriving planet for future generations.

ICAW 2026 Theme: Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us

Soil is the foundation of life. It grows the food we eat, filters the water we drink, and sustains the biodiversity that keeps our ecosystems in balance. Yet soil is also one of our most threatened resources, with erosion, top soil & nutrient depletion, and contamination endangering its health worldwide.

“Compost provides the simplest and most efficient means to maintaining and rebuilding soil organic matter, arguably humanity’s most important form of natural capital.” Used effectively, compost can “manage storm water, remove pollutants, make agricultural soils more resilient, reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and remediate contaminated soils.” CREF’s Soil & Water Connection

The 2026 theme, “Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us”, highlights this essential cycle. When we apply high quality compost, we are investing in the health of our soil, ensuring it continues to provide the food, clean water, and resilience that all life depends on. This theme ties directly to UN SDG 15: Life on Land, reinforcing that protecting and restoring soil is a global priority and one of the most impactful ways we can care for the planet.

ICAW 2026 Poster Contest Requirements:

• Only One Entry Per Person
• Size is 12” wide X 18” vertical (this is in inches)
• Resolution is 300 dpi in jpg format
• Poster contains the theme name: Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us
• Poster contains the words: International Compost Awareness Week
• Poster contains the date: May 3–9, 2026
• Do not add additional words to your poster. Only the theme and International Compost Awareness Week and May 3–9, 2026 are allowed. Any changes to those words or additions will automatically eliminate your entry.
• If you have a photograph as part of your poster, please confirm that either you took the photo or you have obtained legal rights to use the photo.
• Important to know before you start your design, posters cannot be an AI generated design. Any AI designed posters will be eliminated.

How to Apply

Read the poster contest requirements here. Important to know before you start your design, posters cannot be an AI generated design. Any AI designed posters will be eliminated.

The poster must include the following:
International Compost Awareness Week
May 3–9, 2026
Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us

Grades 9 - 12 enter contest here

Age 18 or older enter contest here

For more information please check the Link

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