It’s no secret that Vashon is filled with activists. Something about this island inspires the individuals here — or attracts like-minded individuals — to care for the land, resources and beauty that is all around them. That’s why it was hardly shocking to learn that when presented with an opportunity to compost yard and food waste, islanders not only participated, but shattered expectations.

Over the course of one year, islanders brought 584 tons of yard and food waste to the transfer station. The amount is three times what King County officials predicted and led the county to institute the collection of yard and food waste as a permanent feature. It’s the first step in creating a more sustainable community that can benefit all islanders.

Vashon, with a population of around only 11,000, brought in 200 more tons of compostables than residents of Enumclaw and Cedar Falls.

Everyone creates food waste, and most create yard waste — especially in the summer. In fact, according to Duke University’s Center for Sustainability and Commerce, the average person generates 4.3 pounds of waste per day. Two-thirds of this household waste can be composted. Vashon’s collection program creates a place for that waste for a price cheaper than conventional disposal. Eventually, Zero Waste Vashon says the hope is that this waste will be able to be composted onisland and made available to local farmers and backyard gardeners.

This system is one that can take sustainability to the next level by cutting down on fossil fuels used in transportation and, as Zero Waste Vashon’s Gib Dammann said, keeping the nutrients in Vashon’s own soil here on Vashon.

Next year, a feasibility study will get underway to, hopefully, bring a composting facility to Vashon. Islanders have shown that composting, recycling and caring for the environment are passions of theirs, and it is crucial that the support for this project continues. Vashon is a small place, but the ideas that start here and are shown to be successful here can be the springboard for larger communities. At this time of burgeoning local growth and an unknown environmental future, islanders can help to guarantee that at least on Vashon, the world will get better and healthier.