Turning trash into treasure might sound like a fairy tale, but at Craig Hospital, it's everyday reality. For nearly six years, this pioneering healthcare facility has been transforming food waste into "soil-saving gold," diverting an impressive 100,000 pounds of compost annually from landfills.
The magic happens through a grassroots effort led by 44 dedicated staff members who maintain ten strategically placed compost bins throughout the hospital. Media production specialist Tyler Smith and internal communications specialist Scott Adams invite horticultural therapist Mattie Cryer and physical therapist Steph Jackson to uncover the inner workings of this remarkable sustainability initiative.
What makes Craig's program special isn't just the impressive numbers—it's the closed-loop system they've created. Working with Wompost, a woman-owned composting company from Aurora, Craig receives finished compost that patients help spread in the hospital's therapeutic gardens. This creates a perfect circle: cafeteria waste becomes nutrient-rich soil that grows fresh produce and flowering plants, which in turn support patient rehabilitation through horticultural therapy.
The environmental impact extends far beyond waste reduction. As Maddie explains, composting plays a crucial role in climate resilience, preventing harmful emissions, conserving water, preventing soil erosion, and regenerating soil. With the EPA reporting that only 5% of food waste gets composted nationwide—while food waste constitutes nearly a quarter of landfill content—Craig's efforts represent significant potential for broader change in waste management.
Whether you're curious about what can be composted (those green-striped cafeteria containers) versus what can't (ketchup packets and outside food containers), looking to start composting at home, or just want to hear Scott and Tyler's hilariously educational "Compost or Bust" game, this episode delivers both practical knowledge and inspiration. Listen now to discover how one hospital is proving that sustainability and healthcare go hand in hand—and perhaps find yourself motivated to start your own composting journey.

Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado, is a world-renowned rehabilitation hospital that specializes exclusively in the neurorehabilitation and research of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and brain injury (BI). Craig is a not-for-profit, free-standing, national center of excellence that has treated more than 34,500 patients with SCI and BI since 1956. https://craighospital.org

For more Information visit: https://craighospital.org/onlyatcraigpodcast

Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. Craig Hospital is not affiliated with resources that may be referenced in this podcast. Craig Hospital assumes no liability for any third-party material or for any action or inaction taken as a result of any content or any suggestions made in this podcast and should not be relied upon without independent investigation. Any use of this content by a corporation or other revenue-seeking or -generating organization is prohibited unless first approved by Craig Hospital....